Sustaining An Ongoing Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Through Active Collaboration - Imaginable Futures fireside chat

On June 28th, 2023, I (Mildred Achoch) attended a virtual fireside chat titled “Sustaining An Ongoing Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Through Active Collaboration” organized by Imaginable Futures. At the end of this very insightful and educational session, I asked a question related to mental health and activism (minute 46:20). Imaginable Futures summarized the panelists answers at the end of their post about the event. You can read their responses HERE and watch the entire session HERE.

"Show me your budget and I'll show you what you value." (Minute 45:54)

Of "African" Products and "Mzungu" Music

In an entrepreneurship forum I recently attended, one participant was quite vocal about the need for entrepreneurs to provide African goods and services. This brings up the question I always ask myself whenever I come across concepts such as “Kenyan film” or “Kenyan story” or “buy Kenyan”.

Are Kenyan or African goods and services those created and sold by Kenyans/Africans or are they only those that are uniquely Kenyan or African? Is an African entrepreneur who deals with smartphones made in China, providing African goods and services? Does the foreign nature of the goods/services he provides disqualify him from being categorized as an African entrepreneur? What about an African agri-entrepreneur who deals with genetically modified seeds? What about an African pharmacist who largely sells products created outside of Africa?

What about the European, American and Arab slave traders who were dealing with African “goods”? Were they African entrepreneurs?

African slaves were exchanged for foreign goods:

Trade Relations among European and African Nations.

The business of barter on the pre-colonial Gold Coast.

What about rock ‘n’ roll, whose roots can be traced to the slave trade mentioned above? Is rock ‘n’ roll an African product? Is rock ‘n’ roll made by an African still “mzungu” music? 

(Written by Mildred Achoch.)

Coda: "Jean-Baptiste Say pointed out in his own writings that it was entrepreneurs who sought out inefficient uses of resources and capital and moved them into more productive, higher yield areas. Simply put, entrepreneurs seek opportunities for profit and, by doing so, create new markets and fresh opportunities. By constantly disrupting the balance of competition, entrepreneurs prevent monopolies from forming and create a wide diversity of products that keep consumers consuming and producers producing."Source: Who Coined the Term 'Entrepreneur'? by Andrew Beattie. 

Review: Sustainable Futures, Survivor Girls

ROFFEKE is honoured to welcome Rahma Rashid as a new intern. She graduated from Egerton University with a Bsc in Natural Resources Management. Rahma's personal statement can be read after her first ROFFEKE review below.

Director: Nicole Watson
Duration: 8 minutes 44 seconds
Location: Kolkata, India.
Reviewer: Rahma Rashid

Sustainable Futures, Survivor Girls is an inspiring story of hope and resilience, directed by Nicole Watson. It focuses on the issue of human trafficking and the contribution that people can make in societal matters.

India is a heavily populated country with not enough consideration on SDG 10 which focuses on equality. Economic status, caste, color etc... inequality in India - just like in many other countries - is a major issue. For a society existing within strong cultural morals, it is indeed a shame that man uses this as an opportunity to sexually exploit the girl child. The most painful bit is that this is done to a minor, using what would seem to be very 'righteous courses'. An 8 year old who has not even attained puberty! It angers me as much as it makes my heart weep.

In Nicole's short documentary, we also get to see how a centre like Sanlaap, commendably contributes to the rehabilitation of these girls and SDG 16. In a world where praise and support is granted to unworthy politicians, people do need to get their priorities straight and show support where it's due.

The film talks about the use of solar power as a form of renewable energy and its advantages, like it's facilitation in the accessibility of clean water, thereby contributing to both SDG 6 and 7. At a time when the world is mourning the loss of the Amazon Forest, it's a good assurance that people are paying attention to the environment. And hey, for anyone who didn't get the science behind the working of solar panels, this is your chance! A briefing of the same is made in the film! You are welcome.

All in all, it is amazing to learn that good still exists in this world. For women like Nicole, Sindhura, Indrani and Priyanka, we learn that aid comes from a single soul. It starts from the little input one gives. Let's not be ignorant of our surroundings. Just like the Survivor Girls, no situation is permanent, we all need a stretched out hand to give us hope where there is none.

***

RAHMA RASHID'S PERSONAL STATEMENT

Rahma is a result oriented female interested and ready to transfer her academic knowledge and professional experience into a challenging work setting while contributing to her own personal growth. She has a background in Natural Resource Management that makes her better understand the principle of sustainability to achieve the set sustainable development goals.

Reviews: The Riveters by Kate Felix

On 13th and 14th May and 20th and 21st May, I was privileged to conduct a Basics of Screenwriting Masterclass at Talanta Institute. On the 13th, we covered Differences between screenwriting and other types of creative writing, types of protagonists, types of antagonists, the logline and S.M.A.R.T goals. We went through the students’ loglines and critiqued them.

On the 14th, we begun by watching #ROFFEKEOFFICIALSELECTION2018 “The Riveters”, which was written and directed by Kate Felix.

"Fed up with her 'lame duck' status, The Upstart decides to face The Patriarch in a 1940's feminist throw-down"

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

"We have created this film to explore the barriers, historic and contemporary, to women making films. It was written, produced, and edited by an all-woman crew. All women, only women, start to finish (with the exception of the two male actors!). With it' s short run time and powerful, unapologetic message, this film would be an ideal piece to introduce or conclude a shorts program.

This is the Director/Screenwriter's first film. She is a mother of 3 with another full time job who still somehow manages to get awesome ideas on to the screen. All of the women in this production collaborated both in and outside of their traditional professional roles to make this program a success. This film is a testament to what women can do when they give themselves permission to go out and kick ass."

We used "The Riveters" to recap what we had learned on Day 1. I later asked the students five questions related to the short film. Below are some of their answers:

1.What did you like about the short film?

It was short and precise, straight to the point.
- Edminah Kanana M.

It was Clear and precise ,the protagonist, antagonist and goal was clearly brought out.
- Fredrick Kimani.

It was brief and to the point.
- Moses a.ka. Pinto.

I liked the short film on how they managed to tell the story in less than two minutes.
- Denzon Mau.

There is the protagonist, antagonist and one is able to know the goal because it's clear.
- Carol Kanyora.


2.What didn't you like about the short film?

They did not show us what next, what she planned to do when her proposal was rejected.
- Edminah Kanana M.

The suspense it left me with.
- Moses a.k.a Pinto.

I didn't like how the film ended. If one is not keen enough he/she may not know the protagonist’s final decision.
- Denzon Mau.

I didn't get know if she became a filmmaker.
-Fredrick Kimani.

Nothing. To me it's perfect.
- Carol Kanyora.


3.What does this short film remind you of?

The film reminds me some of the challenges that some film makers go through because not everyone especially the parents appreciate film as a career.
- Denzon Mau.

The day I told my parents that I wanted to engage myself in acting, out of the love I had for it. I wanted to be the next Natalie Portman (world famous actress) but they wanted me to be an engineer. It was a hectic time to convince them.
- Carol Kanyora.

My friend whose parents chose an engineering course for her, and that was not her passion. She did the course and took the certificate to them. She started hustling to help herself study for art and design.
- Edminah Kanana M.

There must be a protagonist,antagonist and a goal.
- Fredrick Kimani.

The lecturer on Act 1
- Moses a.k.a Pinto.

4. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how would you rate this film?

8/10...very good.
- Edminah.

On a scale of 1 to 10 I give it 5 because it was fair
- Denzon.

A 9
- Fredrick Kimani.

5
- Carol.

8
- Moses a.k.a Pinto

5. Any other thoughts you would like to add about the short film?

They should at least have shown us what they were going to do next now that the man had refused.
- Denzon Mau

Even though we can predict through her smile what will happen next,they should have shown us what happened maybe.
- Carol Kanyora

Act in 21st century style, to make it more attractive, capture attention.
- Edminah Kanana M.

It was interesting.
- Fredrick Kimani.

I enjoyed it.
- Moses a.k.a Pinto

'The Riveters' touches on SDG 5

Interview: Alec Herron - Producer of "The Music Stops Here"

ROFFEKE: What lessons did you learn from carrying out the Kickstarter campaign for "The music stops here"?

Alec: I learned to allow people to buy into the project, rather than just donate money. By this, I mean we hosted events where donors and potential donors could see the work in progress, feeling a part of an ongoing project that they could see and help progress and be a part of. It's also important to keep the donors updated on your progress, not just take the money and say 'thanks, cya'. You have to remember that were it not for their kind donations, your film wouldn't be going beyond your laptop screen.

ROFFEKE: In the BBC radio Manchester interview, you admitted that you were "losing money" because of this project. What priceless things have you gained from making this documentary?

Alec: This is our first documentary, both for myself and (Director) Adam Farkas. Technically we learned a lot about film-making and production, though this is quite obvious, I guess. From the Star and Garter I learned that culture means much more than anything else in this city. Manchester is a passionate city and at the heart of that passion are two things: football and music. I gained an even greater love for my city and for the people that make it so special; the unique characters, the creatives, the down-to-earth spirits and most of all, the people who keep enjoying the city's nightlife and don't give up on the music.

ROFFEKE: Which scenes would you have loved to be included in the final cut of the documentary?
Alec: There is a scene about the 'Smile' indie disco, which many will claim is the longest running indie disco in the city that, essentially, can claim to have invented indie rock. We just couldn't fit this into the shorter version of The Music Stops Here, but we will look to include this in a later form. There are also some great scenes which go into the local political situation that has led to the due closure of The Star and Garter, which add real depth, but might be a bit too overwhelming for a casual non-Manchester viewer.

ROFFEKE: If the "soul" of the Star and Garter could speak, what do you think it would say?

Alec: "Turn it down!"

ROFFEKE: Advice for aspiring documentary producers?

Alec: Just pick up the camera, find the right story and go for it. Don't worry so much about the technical side. People will forgive some dodgy camera angles or sound glitch, but they won't forgive a boring story. Also, when people say "No" to speaking on camera, try again another couple of times. Some of the best interviews you'll do are with initially very reluctant subjects. Equally, some of the worst interviews will be with people who have too much to say!

(Like Placebo:Alt. Russia, The Music Stops Here touches on SDG 11 and SDG 16: "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" and "Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels." Under SDG 11, target 11.4 stands out: "Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage.")

Interview: Fanis Topsachalidis - Director of "Slingshot"

ROFFEKE: How did the economic crisis personally affect you? In other words, how much of "Slingshot" is autobiographical? How much of the story is your personal story?

FANIS: The financial crisis in Greece has radically changed the lives of many people, including mine of course. People of my age grew up differently, we grew up in prosperity and all of sudden in just few years this austerity has changed everything around us. This movie is absolutely personal and we could say that it came out through me, through my soul. We are trapped in that system..... and the only hope, as trite as it may sound is our children...our future!

ROFFEKE: There is a scene where what look like certificates are placed on a grave by the main character. Is a university education still relevant in today's turbulent times?

FANIS: Education has always been important while it doesn't offer only the opportunity for academic education but tries to make better people for our society. In our days that the majority of people are
unemployed, unfortunately the degrees are nothing more but frames on the walls. The hero of my movie puts his diplomas on his father's grave to honor him for all the things that he had offered him. Some years ago, having a university degree meant you could find a job and have a bright future.... Now things have changed... Unfortunately to the worst.

ROFFEKE: In your life, how have you (a) bowed to the system (b) gone against the system?

FANIS: My only escape is through art. It's a big word to say that someone goes against the system. It's complicated and everyone has his point of view. We've got to keep the child in us alive but if necessary have a slingshot in our pockets as the "wolves" are coming closer and closer. This particular time I would say that I go
against the system as I still believe in romance and good heart.

ROFFEKE: How have you kept the child in you alive?

FANIS: In order to survive in this crisis, my way of life keeps the child deep deep inside me. Nevertheless I feel like a child when I do, things that I love, with all my heart without having in mind any reward for what I offer. Yet, when we dream for a better world, means the child in us is still alive...

ROFFEKE: Which band sung the famous Greek rock song mentioned by the main character?

FANIS: The band called " Trypes ". It's one of the most important rock bands in Greece. Their songs touch most people of my age. I give you the link to the specific song: https://youtu.be/3mpBT3-ob6k

ROFFEKE: Favourite movie by a female director?

FANIS: My first thought would definitely be Tonie Erdmann by Maren Ade.

Greetings from Greece.

***

"Slingshot" touches on SDG 10: "Reduce inequalities within and among countries"

And specifically, indicator 5: "Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations"

Further reading: "The US Financial Crisis, Post-2015 Development Agenda, and Human Rights"

Review: The World is Dancing

The World is Dancing
Director: Stefano Bertelli
Producer: Ekat Bort (Artist)
Duration:3mins 53 secs
Country of Origin: Italy
Reviewer: Josephine Koima

Since ROFFEKE has been exploring Films with Sustainable Development Goals’ related themes, this song by Ekat Bort reflects SDG 2: Zero Hunger.Ekat describes her music as ‘explosively sensual'.She displays energy and vigour not only in her video but also in her sound.

This lively video is in a desert setting. The elements of dried up trees, rocky terrain, somewhat desolate environment speaks volumes of what the song is about. She highlights the needs of children in the world, who despite their hunger and crushed dreams, they still manage to find little meaningful happiness in play, laughter and dance. They are innocent and full of hope. We see that through the projections of videos of children on buildings, even though the houses and streets seem deserted.

The lyrics say so much of what should be done to help ‘A lot of children… Live without care,love. They must grow up too fast...We’re tired…we’re hungry, but we’re still dancing. Together we have hope and don`t forget to smile’

You will probably want to watch it more than once, as I did, if you feel that everything’s going too fast. And if you usually like to draw fine distinctions, the video will definitely captivate you, from the drumbeat sounds, to the dancing, to the costumes.

Meat is Murder vs. Meat 2.0

The soundtrack of this blogpost is #ROFFEKEOFFICIALSELECTION2016 "Don't Eat the Cow", a tongue-in-cheek vegetarian anthem by Graham Perry.

Sacred cow, I want you now!
I need you in my casserole!
India, Australia,
The poison just-a keep affectin'

In her article titled "Meet Meat 2.0: the future food "farmed in labs" Amy Au writes: "Convincing the most committed carnivores to compromise is hard. No one wants to be finger-pointed at what's on one's own plate." Meat is not just a personal choice issue. It does also touch on a numbert of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals):

SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
"remaking meat is one sector of the food industry that is ripe for innovation and growth." - Bill Gates.
SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Amy Au informs us that: "While the livestock sector supports livelihood of one billion of the world's poor, and its products provide one-third of our protein intake, it poses serious threat to our environment: it is responsible for 14.5 percent of GHG emissions, 29 percent of total water footprint of agriculture, and occupies 30 percent of the land surface of the planet."

Mooooove over! You gotta make room for the cow!
Mooooove over! You gotta make room for the cow!


Meat is Murder
Director(s): Elodie Desperes and Stephane Elmadjian
Duration: 9mins 32 secs
Country of Origin: France
Reviewer: Josephine Koima

When you first google search ‘Meat is Murder’, the first thing that pops up is the 1985 studio album by The Smiths, by the same name.This short film is a music video by rock star James D. Lee.
The beginning of the video features an off-screen conversation between two people (possibly women) who discuss their love for meat.’ Eating meat is like making love actually, it feels good. Especially when it’s all rare and bloody juicy Meat is awesome’. However, the music is nothing about loving meat. James D. Lee starts by chanting ‘Meat is murder’ followed by strumming on his electric guitar, a sound that reverberates over the lush field on which the simple video is set. One can feel his brokenness and distress as he shouts ‘Meat is murder’. Apart from the lyrics of the song, attention is turned to the beautiful visual elements e.g. the horses grazing, long paths, the vegetation which is made possible by wide angle shots. There is also a close up shot of the amplifier buttons.

Various rock stars and fans oppose any kind of animal killing, whether for meat, or sports. E.g. there was a 10,000 strong petition to ban the band Metallica from performing in Glastonbury (in 2014) due to frontman James Hetfield’s support for bear hunting. It is somewhat counter to the genre’s origins as an excuse for all-purpose carnage and desecration. As Paul Lester wrote ,’Is there an essential contradiction in rock’n’rollers – supposedly synonymous with destruction and teenage rampage – siding with things ethical, moral and good? And can a clean, pure, meat-averse friend of the furry make a credible rock noise? Rock should be savage – but can it embody the feral while denying its primal urges?’ From The Guardian.

Going back to the Smiths, there’s a line in their song that goes, ‘The flesh you so fancifully fry is not succulent, tasty or kind-it’s death for no reason, and death for no reason is murder.’ Perhaps, this 80’s rock band serves as an inspiration to James D. Lee in his own composition.

**
Going back to Amy Au's article, she writes: "Since the live animal is eliminated from the process, lab grown products are free of antibiotics and growth hormones and is, of course, cruelty free. They also use less land, water and energy, and emit less greenhouse gases."

Whatcha gonna do when the price goes up?
Whatcha gonna do when the meat runs out?

Graham Perry’s “Don’t Eat the Cow” has a dash of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ funk, a few blades of Bluegrass and a healthy dose of They Might Be Giants’ beautiful absurdness. Read a review of “Don’t Eat the Cow” and the other songs in Graham Perry’s album Jambon Gris, here.

Interview: "Elemento" director Nina Paola Marin Diaz (Colombia)

Synopsis:

El hombre y el agua un solo elemento./Man and water one element.

ROFFEKE: What inspired you to make this short film?
NINA: The decrease in the flow of a large river in Colombia, which had enough water and in a summer time, practically dried up and remained a thread of water, that inspired me to make the short film and environmental reflection
ROFFEKE: What challenges did you face in the making of "Elemento"?
NINA: Make cinema from an environmental reflection and try to give every moment voice to the water.
ROFFEKE: What was the best part of directing this movie?
NINA: Sensitize me with the environmental theme, understand that we are part of the environment and above all we are who can transform things in a positive or negative.
ROFFEKE: What was the worst part of directing this movie?
NINA: None, everything was a joy, a delight, was a personal challenge.

SDG 6: CLEAN WATER & SANITATION
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Rockumentary - Placebo:Alt Russia

When I watched Placebo:Alt Russia, I wasn't that surprised to see how passionate Russians are about rock music. According to the analytics, this ROFFEKE blog is mostly viewed by Americans. Russians come in second and Kenyans take third place. Rish, a Kenyan female rocker told me that her songs are mostly downloaded by Russians. A member of Kenyan metalcore band Last Year' Tragedy gave me similar statistics.

What I love about Placebo:Alt Russia is that it is very human, meaning that anyone from any country (Every You Every Me :-) - and especially the creatives - will relate to the sentiments expressed throughout this rockumentary. Rock 'n' roll is just the backdrop, the framework on which various issues are hang upon: censorship, architecture, guerrilla art, politics, crowdfunding, tradition versus modern, cultural exchange, religion, photography, artistic activism....

This year, ROFFEKE will be highlighting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Placebo: Alt Russia touches on SDG 11 and SDG 16: "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" and "Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels." Under SDG 11, target 11.4 stands out: "Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage."

Documentaries are a great way of making people aware of the natural and cultural heritage that is in danger of being made to disappear. In Placebo: Alt Russia we learn of historical buildings in danger of being demolished and two very punk artists who are doing their part to creatively document these buildings for future generations.

I dare say that this fascinating film can be summarized by the three F's in the ROFFEKE motto: Friendship.Fun. Freedom.