Ghanaian filmmaker and screenwriter, Gamel Apa­layine has been selected as one of four African writers for the fourth edition of the AuthenticA Series Lab.

The AuthenticA Series Lab is a highly regarded programme dedi­cated to shaping the next wave of African screenwriting talent run by Realness Institute in partner­ship with The StoryBoard Collec­tive and the Canada Media Fund.

Gamel joins a distinguished co­hort of storytellers from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt who will take part in the six-month long lab designed to elevate African voices on to the global stage.

The AuthenticA programme begins with a residency in the Western Cape, South Africa in September, followed by online sessions until mid-December.

A second residency takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from January – March 2026, with a final residency in Lille in March where the participants will pitch their projects as part of the African Series Pitch at Series Mania Forum to international in­dustry players.

Gamel is no stranger to shaping some of Africa’s most compelling screen moments. He served as Head Writer on Ak­waaba Magic’s hit TV drama DEDE (span­ning two seasons and 560 episodes) and was a principal writer on Ghana’s first Show­max Orig­inal Series ENO, pro­duced by Sparrow Studios.

Beyond televi­sion, he recently co-adapt­ed Afri­ca Arts Networks Production of HONEYMOON HOTEL staged at the National Theatre of Ghana, and through his creative company Whistling Rocks, is developing a bold slate of projects across film, television, theatre, and music.

Looking ahead, Gamel will take his creative mission even further when he begins an MFA in Film at the esteemed Columbia Universi­ty’s School of the Arts in New York City in 2026, a move that places him squarely at the intersection of African storytelling and global cinema.

The AuthenticA Series Lab pro­vides participants with the tools to bring their stories to life at an international standard, produc­ing a pitch deck, pilot scripts, and series bibles that can attract funding and production support worldwide.

The lab will be led by Meh­ret Mandefro, interim Managing Director of the Realness Institute, with Director of Writing Pro­grammes, Selina Ukwuoma.

For Gamel, the opportunity represents a chance to carry Ghanaian and African narratives to global audiences. His track record of storytelling posi­tions him as a vital voice in the future of African film and television.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu  

Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27

Celebrated radio and television personality Frank Kwabena Ow­usu affectionately called Franky 5 has officially joined the iMAX Media Group.

The renowned presenter is set to light up the screens of Max TV as host of the station’s flagship morn­ing show, Max Morning Live, starting Monday, September 8, 2020, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Franky 5 brings with him many years of rich experience in media, combining exceptional television and radio presentation skills with a prov­en track record in event organisation and creative production. His addi­tion promises to deliver an exciting, refreshing experience to viewers of Max TV.

Over the years, Franky 5 has carved a unique niche in the Ghanaian media and showbiz industry with his dynam­ic and versatile style of presentation. Whether formal or informal, his delivery blends professionalism with an engaging flair that resonates with diverse audiences.

Beyond his on-screen duties, Franky 5 will also serve as Head of Enter­tainment and Events at iMAX Media Group, where he will play a key role in shaping the station’s enter­tainment content and driving innovative initiatives.

 By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme