As director of international original films for Netflix, Nigerian-American Funa Maduka built an Oscar-winning powerhouse. Last year she left Netflix to work on her own projects, likely aimed at lifting hidden voices. It started at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for underprivileged girls in South Africa, where Maduka rose to become dean and saw the girls go on to pursue PhDs, fight for social justice and even share the stage with Michelle Obama, accomplishments she reels off with pride. It continued when she got to Netflix in early 2014 and didn’t see any content from Africa. “I naturally just asked why,” she says, eventually helping lead a global film powerhouse as its director of international original films. Now Maduka is placing her boldest bet yet, leaving the streaming giant last year to work on her own projects. “I’m taking a break from corporate life and speaking more about telling our stories,” she says.
SOURCE: OZY
More Stories
Abby Ajayi’s ‘Riches’ Packs in the Drama as Well as the Glitz
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Gets Rave Reviews from African Moviegoers
What to Eat and Drink in South Africa
‘Nanny’ Review: Filmmaker Employs African Folklore in a Haunting Black Horror Film
Finding New Meaning in Timeless Music
Unesco Adds Tunisia’s Harissa and Morocco’s Rai to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
At the Edge of the Sahara, a New Model for Refined Regenerative Tourism is being Trailblazed
Victoria Falls Safari Spa has Officially Opened in Zimbabwe
Kigali Held the 8th Edition of the Mashariki African Film Festival this Week
Underrated Small Towns and Villages in South Africa
Lebo M on 25 Years of The Lion King on Broadway
Mountain House Makes the Most of Its Spectacular Site