Accelerate Studios Premiers Documentary Series – The Decolonisation of  Africa at Cannes, October 2024

Accelerate Studios, a subsidiary of The Accelerate Group, premiered its documentary series, ‘The Decolonisation of Africa’, at the forthcoming MIPCOM event in Cannes in October 2024.

The documentary series, which started principle photography two years ago, is told from the perspective of former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The documentary tells the story of Africa’s struggle for decolonisation and highlights Nigeria’s significant role in the process.

MIPCOM CANNES is a platform for TV and entertainment executives to showcase the business of international content rights and co-production and celebrate new documentary series.

In her remarks, Chief Executive Officer, Accelerate Group, Colette Otusheso, while explaining the rationale for the series, stated that there is a need to tell the African stories by reconfiguring the way we are being represented and perceived.

Otusheso described the documentary as a big statement that not only represents our history but offers us the opportunity to honor the lives, sacrifices, and leadership of those who fought for our freedom.

She stated that the legacies of our heroes should inspire and remind the world of the African continent’s enduring resilience and vision.

She lauded the former President for his invaluable role in producing the series noting that his commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of Africa’s decolonisation inspired every step of the journey.

While acknowledging the contribution of the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who commissioned the project, the CEO noted that her passion for showcasing the African experience fueled the journey.

“Through interviews and archival footage, we explore the courageous efforts of key figures like Joaquim Chissano, Lord David Owen, Baroness Chalker, PLO Lumumba and the late Mangosuthu Buthelezi. But equally important, we honor our heroes: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who tirelessly supported liberation movements across Africa, Chief David Anyouku, the late Ambassador Omotayo Ogunsulire, and many others who contributed in ways both large and small to the liberation of our people,” she said.

She expressed optimism that the series, when premiered, will ignite important conversations about Africa’s past and future.

“I believe we can continue to shape our destiny on our terms. I believe that history, when presented through a powerful medium like film, has the ability to heal, inspire, and provoke change. When we tell our stories our own way, we are preserving history, imparting wisdom, and reinforcing our social values. We need to begin to tell our stories to educate and inspire young people,” she added.