Entertainment
Ghanaian screenwriter Gamel Apalayine selected for AuthenticA Series Lab
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
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GHANAIAN gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty, has released a spirit-filled song titled “Sunsum Ndwom.”
The song, which is already making waves shortly after its release, is delivered in three parts, each carrying a powerful message.
The first part reflects on the mystery of Prophet Elijah, where people wondered who he was after he prayed and called down fire from heaven.
The second part centres on salvation, urging believers not to celebrate only power and miracles, but to celebrate the fact that their names are written in the Book of Life, because that is what lasts forever.
The third part celebrates the beauty of God’s healing power, a song originally composed by her late mother.
The gospel star is urging Ghanaians to stream the song on all platforms and encounter its powerful lyrics.
She also stressed the need to preserve Ghana’s traditional gospel sound, expressing hope that the new generation will embrace their heritage.
Empress Gifty further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders in the industry who have supported her career over the years.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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GHANAIAN media personality, Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, affectionately called Akumaa, has marked the 18th anniversary of her Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF).
The event was held at the Broken Yoke Ministry International at Klagon in Accra.
Thousands of widows who benefited were taken through health education for good living, business enhancement, women empowerment and legal education, among others.
In addition, they were given water, cloth, rice, noodles, oil, Noko Fine Washing Powder and other toiletries.
Mrs Dongotey-Padi noted that there is land earmarked for vocational training and gari processing for those who are unemployed and would want to make ends meet.
Against that backdrop, she expressed appreciation to gospel musician Empress Gifty for supporting her with her Noko Fine Washing Powder and Verna Mineral Water.
According to her, it went a long way to put smiles on the faces of the widows.
Akumaa Mama Zimbi further said that if she looks back on how the journey started 18 years ago, she feels fulfilled in impacting thousands of lives.
According to her, this motivates her to do even more to put smiles on the faces of people.
The Mama Zimbi Foundation is an NGO committed to motivating, empowering and supporting widows and their children, as well as educating adolescents on their sexual and reproductive health.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
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