
Drums and African folk tales captivate the crowds at SFAL
Gathered at SFAL's drumming and storytelling zone, children and adults were equally excited as they engaged with and learned from the session's instructor 'Columbus', who represented Afro Baobab Events, the UAE's premier African-themed event company.
Columbus, who has honed his craft over decades, described the experience as a way to connect people and ignite their passions.
'Percussive instruments are something that unite us; almost all cultures in the world have them. Historically it was even a form of communication across long distances, a way to motivate and energise warriors, and was also a major part of celebrations and community gatherings,' he shared. 'It's incredible to see the joy on children's faces when they realise they can create music with their own hands. And for the adults, it's a chance to rediscover their inner child.'
Teaching participants with simple rhythms, Columbus used counting techniques and mnemonic sounds to guide participants in mastering basic beats. As the participants gained confidence, he encouraged them to experiment with layering rhythms, turning the drumming circles into collaborative masterpieces to the joy of the surrounding crowds.
'One little boy told me he didn't think he'd be able to do it because it looked so complicated,' Columbus recalled with a smile. 'By the end of the session, he was leading the rhythm for the entire group. Moments like that are why I do this.'
Tales passed down through centuries
Complementing the drumming sessions were storytelling gatherings where African folk tales; from the clever antics of 'Anansi the Spider' to the wise lessons of 'Kofi the Tortoise'; showcased lessons passed down through generations through Columbus's masterful narration.
'Storytelling is as much a part of African tradition as the drumming,' Columbus explained. 'Each story holds a lesson like kindness, bravery, or respecting nature. These tales have been passed down for centuries, and it's an honor to share them with a new audience.'
Children sat cross-legged, wide-eyed as they listened to Columbus recount tales of tricksters, heroes, and magical lands. Adults, too, found themselves immersed, laughing and nodding as the stories unfolded. The tales often ended with an interactive element, inviting participants to discuss the moral or share their interpretations, fostering a sense of community and dialogue.

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Time Out Abu Dhabi
22 minutes ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Best ladies' nights in Abu Dhabi 2025: 43 deals and offers you need to know about
Long gone are the days when ladies' nights in Abu Dhabi were only on Tuesdays. These days, you can get free or discounted beverages and food every day of the week. Whether you're looking to start the weekend off right, or want to beat hump day blues, here's where to go. Jump to: Ladies' nights in Abu Dhabi MONDAY 49ers The deal: One free house beverage upon arrival, and get two more free house beverages when ordering bites (which start from Dhs49). This steakhouse might be Gold Rush-themed but it remains a popular haunt among ladies, and we can see why. You can enjoy this ladies' night in Abu Dhabi every Monday and Tuesday, with one free drink on arrival and two more when you order food. Mon-Tue 7pm-9pm. Waterfront, Leaf Tower, Reem Island, (02 645 8000). Café del Mar The deal: Dhs120 for entry, a small tapas taster and three selected house beverages. More of a ladies' day than a ladies' night in Abu Dhabi, every Monday the gal pals can get a tapas platter and three selected house beverages for Dhs120, all of which you can enjoy while soaking up the sun next to, or in, this beach club's pool. Mon 10am onwards. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 402 2283). Market Kitchen The deal: 50 percent off starters and unlimited selected beverages for three hours for all ladies. Ladies' night at international restaurant Market Kitchen boasts Japandi-chic interiors for the ultimate vibey evening. Mon 7pm-10pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah, (02 674 2020). Pacifico Tiki The deal: Ladies get unlimited free house beverages while dining, Dhs299 for gents. Gorgeous waterfront spot Pacifico Tiki offers up views out to Etihad Arena (and Time Out Towers in Yas Creative Hub). Head here for ladies' night on Mondays in a Polynesian paradise. Mon 8pm-midnight. Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, (050 696 9298). TUESDAY 49ers The deal: One free house beverage upon arrival, and get two more free house beverages when ordering bites (which start from Dhs49). See Monday's listing for the full run down. Mon-Tue 7pm-9pm. Waterfront, Leaf Tower, Reem Island, (02 645 8000). Ishtar The deal: Unlimited house beverages while dining. How does Yas Marina views paired with delicious Mediterranean bites and unlimited house beverages sound? Because that's exactly what you'll get at this ladies' night in Abu Dhabi, with free-flowing drinks while dining for ladies. Tue 8pm-midnight. Yas Marina, Yas Island, (050 402 2293). Stratos The deal: Ladies get a free flow of selected house beverages for three hours and a 50 per cent discount on main courses while dining. Still not visited the city's only revolving bar? Then you need to get yourself down to Stratos ASAP. While admiring the views over the city, ladies can enjoy free-flowing bevvies all night long. Tue 7pm-10.30pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah, (02 674 2020). McCafferty's The deal: Ladies can choose between a free-flowing house beverages package for Dhs99 with a 50 percent discount on the à la carte menu. McCafferty's at the Hilton on Yas Island is the place to be on Tuesday for ladies. Not only do you get a lot of bang for your buck here, there's live music to enjoy from 8pm, too. It's a win-win. Tue 6pm-10pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, (058 598 3623). WEDNESDAY Diablito The deal: Ladies and gents can enjoy unlimited sparkling grape, Spanish mixed grape and hops for two hours for Dhs100. Ladies' night or date night? You decide. Those Yas Marina views will make it a fab evening either way. Wed 6pm-11pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, (02 565 1175). Heroes Never Die The deal: Dhs69 for five house beverages, and Dhs79 for a sharing platter, or 20 percent off on food. Legendary pub Heroes has returned, and is now known as Heroes Never Die. Now run by the team behind Stars N Bars, there are deals every night of the week, including a top ladies' night in Abu Dhabi on Wednesdays. For the Joeys among you who don't share food, you can also get 20 percent off food. And better yet? There's a live DJ too. Wed 5pm till late. Millennium Downtown Abu Dhabi, @heroesneverdie_ad (050 525 6364). Iris The deal: Dhs100 for free-flowing house beverages. Chic lounge Iris has branches across the Middle East, and one of our favourites can be found at Yas Marina. On ladies' night, you can enjoy free-flowing house beverages for four hours for Dhs100. Wed 8pm-midnight. Yas Marina, Yas Island (055 160 5636). Loca The deal: Unlimited Mexican mixed drinks plus a choice of appetiser and main course for Dhs145. At this price, ladies' night in Abu Dhabi certainly won't drive you Loca. Pair your bevvies with a starter and main, including tostada salad, tacos or fajitas. Cheers to that. Wed 7pm-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, (02 582 3639). Marco's Italian The deal: Dhs70 per person with two hours of unlimited Italian drinks. Get a taste of Italy at Marco's Italian's 'La Dolce Diva' ladies' night in Abu Dhabi, in addition to your pick of hearty dishes. Buno appetito. Wed 8pm-10pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3238). Mika The deal: Dhs129 per person will get you three beverages and an assortment of bar snacks. That's not a price tag to be sniffed at. Wed 8pm-late. Yas Marina. NURI Grill & Bar Credit: NURI Grill & Bar The deal: Dhs195 for three selections of food and beverages. Located inside the Hilton Yas Island, NURI Grill & Bar actually won Best Korean Restaurant at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2024 so you know the food will be delish. Wed 6-11pm. Hilton Yas Island. @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151). Ornina Lounge The deal: Ladies get unlimited house beverages while dining. Found right next door to Pacifico Tiki, Ornina Lounge has the same ladies' night offer – unlimited house beverages while dining – on Wednesdays. Get ready for a night of fun and good vibes all around. Wed 9pm-midnight. Al Rahah, Al Bandar, (050 696 9312). Stars N Bars The deal: Ladies get five house beverages for Dhs69. Yet another ladies' night on Yas Marina on Wednesdays, you can get five house beverages for Dhs69. Wed 5pm till late. Yas Marina, Yas Island, (02 565 0101). The G.O.A.T. The deal: Three free house beverages for the ladies and a 30 percent discount on food. Is this the greatest ladies' night in Abu Dhabi of all time? Decide for yourself on Wednesdays, where live band Goat Beatz and DJ Roy will be pumping out the tracks. Wed 8pm-11pm. Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi, @goat_auh (050 499 3953). The Warehouse The deal: One food item and five house beverages for Dhs110. Ladies have the chance to try The for less every Wednesday. Take your pick from a dreamy tomato salad with ricotta, parmesan and lime zest or polpetine, complete with bite-size beef and mortadella meatballs, parmesan and pistachio. See you there. Wed 5pm-10.45pm. Pearl Rotana, Capital Centre (02 307 5552). Ting Irie The deal: Get a two-course meal with a three-house house beverage package for Dhs145, with a sparkling package for Dhs190, and with premium beverages for Dhs265 (which the gents can opt for). Jamaican restaurant Ting Irie, which reached the capital by way of Dubai in January 2022, is super laidback and super fun. Especially on ladies' night, where you can enjoy a two course meal with unlimited house beverages from Dhs145. Sounds lush. Throughout ladies' night, there will be a live DJ pumping out the best of dancehall, hip-hop, RnB, and Afrobeats. Wed 7pm-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, (02 886 7786). THURSDAY Asia Asia The deal: Enjoy a three-course set menu and three house beverages for Dhs225. It's time to get glam. Thursday nights at Yas Bay Waterfront are all about Asia Asia, with a ladies' night in Abu Dhabi priced at Dhs250 for a three-course set menu and three house beverages. It's a vibrant atmosphere with chilled house music and an unbeatable sunset. Thu 6pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (02 235 8663). Back Yard Bistro The deal: Get three hours of unlimited house beverages or three complimentary drinks for Dhs79. When cooler temperatures roll around, Back Yard Bistro's outdoor terrace is one of our favourite spots in the city, but you can enjoy this spot (and its ladies' night in Abu Dhabi year-round). Good vibes and great drinks? We're in. Thu 9pm-midnight. WTC Mall, Al Danah, @ (050 114 3666). Bambu The deal: Dhs69 for unlimited selected mixed drinks, plus one food platter. Gents can join for Dhs139, which provided unlimited selected mixed drinks, and also with a food platter. Another ladies' night in Abu Dhabi at the Cristal Hotel, Bambu's offering not only gives you the bevvies and bites, but all the tunes from DJ Cynthia. Thu 9pm-12am. Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi, @bambu_ad (050 499 3953). Brewhouse Gastropub The deal: Three free house beverages and selected mixed drinks, plus 20 percent off the food menu. If you fancy extending the party beyond that, you can get three more drinks for Dhs50. You can start your weekend off right at Brewhouse Gastropub, which not only offers wallet-friendly sips and bites, but also banging tunes from DJ Xanga. It's time to slay. Thurs 8pm-11pm. Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi, @brewhouseabudhabi (02 652 0111). Broadway Credit: Broadway The deal: Dhs185 per person for free-flow beverages and snacks. Ladies can enjoy an exclusive evening filled with free-flow drinks and delicious snacks. The live DJ will be spinning the top hits from the 80s and 90s, ensuring a nostalgic vibe all night long. Thu 8pm-11pm. Broadway Abu Dhabi, @broadway_ad (050 123 4567). Dragon's Tooth Credit: Dragon's Tooth The deal: Two signature mixed drinks and a choice of two Dim Sum selections for Dhs125 per person. For an evening steeped in elegance and mystery, Dragon's is inspired by the women of China's history. Step into this 1920s Shanghai-style speakeasy every Thursday and Friday, and immerse yourself in the ambience of jazz and classic cocktails with a twist. Expect to sip on mixed drinks that honour eight remarkable women, each with flavours as unique as the legendary figure it celebrates. Thu-Fri 5pm-1am. Dragon's Tooth, Rosewood Abu Dhabi. (02 813 5520). Easy Tiger The deal: Free mixed drinks and 50 percent off the food menu. Talk about getting more bang for your buck. For a chilled out night out, head to Easy Tiger's Thursday ladies' night, where you'll get free mixed drinks, perfect for sipping to the beats of DJ Ash from 10pm. Thu 8pm-11pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, @ (02 678 0522). Little Soho The deal: Get unlimited house beverages and selected mixed drinks and 50 percent off the food menu for Dhs69 for ladies, and Dhs149 for gents. Another option at Al Ain Palace Hotel, Little Soho's ladies' night in Abu Dhabi brings you all the options. Whether you fancy house beverages or mixed drinks, you can take your pick here. Oh, and there are always good vibes. Thu 7pm-10pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, @littlesohouae (058 533 7646). Les Dangerueux Grab your squad and head to Les Dangerueux for an unforgettable Ladies' night that includes free flowing drinks for three hours, lively tunes, a snack and a vibey atmosphere all for Dhs129. Free entry. Thursdays, 6pm-10pm. Mamsha, Al Saadiyat Island. WhatsApp (052 677 2947). Lexx The deal: Ladies enjoy unlimited drinks for two hours, with an exclusive 30 percent discount on the a la carte food menu for Dhs149. If your nights out don't start until late, you're going to love this. Lexx's ladies' night in Abu Dhabi runs from 8pm until 12 am, with free-flow and a discount on food. Thu 8pm-12am. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl (02 510 1234). Lock, Stock & Barrel The deal: Unlimited house beverages (completely free). You won't have to spend a dirham at Lock, Stock & Barrel's ladies' night in Abu Dhabi, with three hours of unlimited house beverages for ladies every Thursday. Expect good tunes and all the lively party vibes. It's the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Thu 8pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (02 235 8659). PJ O'Reilly's The deal: For three hours, Ladies can get free-flowing house beverages and bar bites for Dhs99 and gents can also join in the fun for Dhs199. One of the oldest pubs in Abu Dhabi, there's nothing we love more than enjoying a night out in PJ's pub garden. Sun-Thu 7pm-11pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah, (02 674 2020). Ray's Bar Take in views from level 62 at Ray's Bar The deal: Three hours of free-flowing mixed drinks and mocktails for Dhs99, or grape for Dhs149. For an elevated ladies' night in Abu Dhabi (both literally and metaphorically), head to Ray's Bar on the 62nd floor of the Conrad Etihad Towers. On Thursdays, you'll be able to get three hours of free-flowing mixed drinks for Dhs99, or grape for Dhs149. Thu 7pm-midnight. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, @raysbarabudhabi (02 811 5555). Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar The deal: Ladies get unlimited free house beverages while you dine. Another ladies' night in Abu Dhabi with a view, this time at Yas Bay Waterfront. Admire the waterfront scenes (and that surreal sunset) from Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar on Yas Island. you can also opt for unlimited bevvies from 10pm until late for Dhs99. Dreamy. Thu 7pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1194). The deal: Ladies get three free house beverages and 50 percent off on food. Also at The Hub, The Irish Vicker's has took home the title of Best Pub Food at the 2023 Restaurant Awards. And you can try it for less every Thursday, with a 50 percent discount on food and three free house beverages to pair it with. There's live music too to guarantee a fabulous time. Thu 6pm-10pm. The Hub, WTC Mall Abu Dhabi, @irishvickers (02 886 9636). The Overlook The deal: Ladies get three free house beverages and 25 percent off food, as well as pool access. Fancy a late night dip without spending a dirham? You can do just that at The WB's ladies' night in Abu Dhabi, which includes free pool access for ladies. Take in those views and relax. Thu 6pm-9pm. The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton (02 692 7767). FRIDAY Dragon's Tooth The deal: Two signature mixed drinks and a choice of two Dim Sum selections for Dhs125 per person. For an evening steeped in elegance and mystery, Dragon's is inspired by the women of China's history. Step into this 1920s Shanghai-style speakeasy every Thursday and Friday, and immerse yourself in the ambience of jazz and classic cocktails with a twist. Thu-Fri 5pm-1am. Dragon's Tooth, Rosewood Abu Dhabi. (02 813 5520). The deal: Dhs149 for three hours of free-flowing selected grape and mixed drink on selected house beverages. It also includes light nights and you can extend the fun for an hour for Dhs70. Also highly commended at previously at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards, Hamilton's Gastropub is a must-visit for your ladies' nights in Abu Dhabi list. Fri 7pm-12am. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000). Murphy's Sports Bar The deal: Ladies get two free selected mixed drinks and a 40 percent discount on the food menu. The sports bar at Al Ghazal Golf Club has not one, not two, but three ladies' night, making it the perfect spot to relax for less every weekend. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, ladies get to enjoy this exclusive offer. Fri-Sun 8pm-11pm. Al Ghazal Golf Club (02 505 5023). Jazz Bar The deal: Kickstart the weekend with live music and fab drinks at Jazz Bar's Sax and the City. Every Friday, ladies can enjoy five house beverages – including selected mixed drinks – for Dhs109, plus you'll get 20 percent off the food menu. Dhs109. Fri 8pm-midnight. Jazz Bar, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road, Al Bateen, (056 104 1114). @ Raclette The deal: Ladies get unlimited drinks for Dhs150. The ladies' night at Raclette on at lovely Mamsha Al Saadiyat promises live music by the talented Claudia & Claudia duo, unlimited grape and hops as well as one tasty dish, all for Dhs150. Fri 8pm-11pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Cultural District, @racletteuae (02 546 2277). Stills The deal: Ladies can enjoy tapas and unlimited house beverages for Dhs99, while gents can get the same deal for Dhs149. Home to the longest bar in Abu Dhabi, there's plenty of room for you and your girlfriends at is great news for those looking to head out on Fridays, as you can enjoy tapas and unlimited house beverages for a steal. Gents are welcome, too, with the same offer priced at Dhs149. Fri 8pm-11pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (02 656 3066). W Lounge The deal: Buy one mixed drink (priced at Dhs85), and you'll enjoy a free flow of house beverages all night long. One of our favourite ladies' nights in Abu Dhabi, this is one you're going to want to dress up for. Pay for one mixed drink from the special ladies' night menu and you'll enjoy free-flowing house beverages all night long. That's one dreamy combination. Fri 6pm till late. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, (02 656 0000). SATURDAY Atlon Bar & Bistro The deal: Free house beverages for ladies between 10pm to 1am, with the option to upgrade to bubbly and mixed drinks for Dhs99. The ever-popular nightlife spot Atlon Bar & Bistro is great to visit any day of the week, but particular on ladies' night. Dance the night away to Afrobeats, Amapiano, RnB and hip-hop. Free (house beverages); Dhs99 (bubbly and mixed drinks). Sat 10p-1am. Souk Qaryat Al Beri, @atlonabudhabi (055 780 0086). Murphy's Sports Bar The deal: Ladies get two free selected mixed drinks and a 40 percent discount on the food menu. The sports bar at Al Ghazal Golf Club has not one, not two, but three ladies' night, making it the perfect spot to relax for less every weekend. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, ladies get to enjoy this exclusive offer. Fri-Sun 8pm-11pm. Al Ghazal Golf Club (02 505 5023). SUNDAY Murphy's Sports Bar The deal: Ladies get two free selected mixed drinks and a 40 percent discount on the food menu. The sports bar at Al Ghazal Golf Club has not one, not two, but three ladies' night, making it the perfect spot to relax for less every weekend. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, ladies get to enjoy this exclusive offer. Fri-Sun 8pm-11pm. Al Ghazal Golf Club (02 505 5023). You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down Abu Dhabi's census shows just how much the emirate has changed in a decade We may be biased, but this checks out


Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Thrills Meet Learning at Ferrari Workshop on Yas Island
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Miral is set to launch an interactive Ferrari-themed workshop on 21 June at Cinema Maranello in Ferrari World, Yas Island, offering young learners an immersive glimpse into automotive engineering and innovation. Open to participants aged 10 and above, the two-hour session will feature hands-on demonstrations, a quiz, and an exploration of Ferrari's technical journey—all crafted to ignite curiosity and build skillsets in a dynamic setting. Leading the workshop, Miral positions it as a continuation of their education and skill‑development pillar, part of the group's broader corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at nurturing future generations across Abu Dhabi. The session begins with an engaging overview of Ferrari's storied past and technological breakthroughs. Participants will then transition to practical segments where they can engage with scaled-down engineering modules, deepen their understanding through interactive quizzes, and test their abilities in dynamic challenges designed to simulate real vehicle systems. ADVERTISEMENT The venue, Cinema Maranello, is nestled within Ferrari World—the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park, home to record‑breaking attractions including Formula Rossa, Flying Aces, and Mission Ferrari. Spanning over 40 rides in a climate‑controlled environment, the park is a flagship asset in Miral's immersive entertainment portfolio. Miral emphasises community engagement and knowledge transfer through this workshop. Registration is mandatory and limited; family attendance is encouraged, broadening the event's appeal beyond just the learning participants. The event will run from noon to 2 pm, ensuring ample time for both instruction and hands-on involvement. This Ferrari-themed educational initiative aligns with broader patterns in youth development programming across Yas Island. Over the last year, Miral has hosted a variety of skill‑based events, from eco‑conscious upcycling workshops to digital storytelling and STEM camps. These have targeted children aged from as young as eight through their teens, integrating creativity with sustainability and technical learning. Ferrari World has steadily expanded its appeal as a learning hub. Family‑friendly attractions like the Junior Grand Prix, Junior Training Camp, and Made in Maranello tour blend entertainment with educational value, providing toddlers and teens alike with engaging, instructive experiences. Miral's broader strategy emphasises diversification of cultural, recreational, and educational offerings across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. It continues development of projects such as the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, a dedicated Harry Potter land in partnership with Warner Bros. World, and integration of digital innovation through alliances like those with Microsoft and Azure OpenAI Service. Marta Zaabi, CEO of Miral, described the Yas Island learning ecosystem as 'a continuously evolving platform where curiosity meets creativity,' demonstrating a focus on nurturing curiosity in diverse ways across the island. The upcoming Ferrari workshop exemplifies Miral's intent to merge hands-on education with its entertainment credentials. By leveraging brand prestige and technical cachet, the event speaks to a growing trend in learning-by-doing experiences, targeting youth engagement outside traditional classroom settings. The event's orientation toward engineering aligns with regional priorities to bolster STEM education and practical skill development in alignment with the UAE's broader educational agenda. Although the workshop is free, spaces are limited to ensure both safety and quality of engagement. Miral has stressed the value of early registration, noting the family-friendly nature of the workshop and the likelihood of high demand given Ferrari's iconic status and the interactivity of the experience.


Broadcast Pro
9 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Locarno Film Festival unveils Africa-focused line-up for Open Doors programme
On August 12, a panel of professional jury members will grant awards to the selected winning projects. The Locarno Film Festival has revealed the line-up for the 23rd edition of its Open Doors programme, with a renewed focus on the African continent. After completing a three-year cycle centred on Latin America and the Caribbean, the initiative shifts its attention to Africa for the next four editions, aiming to spotlight emerging filmmaking talent across the region. The 2025 edition, running from August 7 to 12 during Locarno Pro, will offer a blend of industry training, mentorship, networking and public events. Six film projects from across Africa have been selected for Open Doors Projects, the co-production platform. The line-up includes Les Bilokos, a documentary from the Democratic Republic of the Congo by director Erickey Bahati and producer Giresse Kassonga; the Ivorian-Burkinabé hybrid documentary-animation Diary of a Goat Woman by Azata Soro and Nameita Lica Toure; The Fortunate, a dark comedy from Ethiopia by Habtamu Gebrehiwot and Nahusenay Dereje; the Nigerian reincarnation-themed romance Kachifo (Till The Morning Comes) by Dika Ofoma and producer Blessing Uzzi; the Senegalese family drama Lutteurs (Fighters) from director Alassane Sy and producer Jules Dieng; and Black Snake, a supernatural mystery from Zimbabwe directed by Naishe Nyamubaya and produced by Sue-Ellen Chitunya. In parallel, the Open Doors Producers initiative has selected six producers from Angola, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The programme aims to strengthen creative production networks across Africa and support sustainable collaborative models. The chosen participants include Kamy Lara, Moustapha Sawadogo, Leul Shoaferaw, June Wairegi, Yannick Mizero Kabano and Kudakwashe Miss Maradzika. Yanis Gaye, the new Head of Studies at Open Doors said: 'The inception of the new cycle of Open Doors is an exciting marker of the role African film industries will play within the global independent film landscape in years to come. The platform designed by our passionate artistic team is a space where talents will be empowered to continue to shape the instruments, strategies, and community these filmmakers need to see their projects and careers blossom. With our programme, we aim to strengthen both the creative vision and business acumen necessary to navigate selective markets while maintaining distinctive narrative voices. Participants will acquire the frameworks to develop their production companies into sustainable creative enterprises, while exploring ways to foster more equitable international co-production partnerships.' Zsuzsi Bánkuti, Head of Open Doors, added: 'As we enter a new cycle focused on the African continent, Open Doors reaffirms its commitment to supporting filmmakers working in contexts where artistic freedom is often challenged. We are excited to welcome a strong slate of predominantly first and second-time filmmakers whose inventive approaches and formal experimentation signal a bold evolution in global cinematic storytelling. The range of perspectives represented is striking — each project brings a distinct voice that challenges narrative conventions. We aim to contribute to a stronger regional and international film ecosystem by supporting a generation of filmmakers whose diverse ideas and ways of working foster a more sustainable and collaborative film community.' The programme will culminate in a professional jury session on August 12, where financial and in-kind prizes will be awarded. These include the CHF 50,000 Open Doors Grant supported by visions sud est and the City of Bellinzona, the EUR 8,000 CNC Development Prize, and the EUR 6,000 Arte Kino International Prize. Additional industry support will come from partners such as the International Culture Center Tabakalera, the San Sebastian Film Festival, Sørfond, the World Cinema Fund, OIF, IFFR Pro, and the Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur. Meanwhile, directors of selected short films will participate in the Open Doors Directors programme, gaining access to talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. Details of the short film selections will be announced on July 8, alongside the festival's official line-up. This expanded African focus marks a significant step in Locarno's commitment to fostering underrepresented cinematic voices on a global stage.