The Global African Hub launched its inaugural presence at TIFF, with backing from Canex Creations, a subsidiary of Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa. The organization aims to increase visibility of African films and stories in North American markets.
The documentary Muganga, directed by Marie-Hélène Roux, received a market screening at the festival. The film, which had previously found success in France, examines the work of a 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner who provides medical care and advocacy for women affected by sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The violence documented stems largely from regional conflicts driven by global demand for cobalt resources.
Following the screening, actors David Oyelowo and Danai Gurira participated in a discussion with the film’s director and subject, moderated by journalist Afua Hirsch. Gurira, known for the Tony-nominated play Eclipsed addressing sexual violence during the Liberian conflict, praised the film for centering women’s voices and humanity. Oyelowo, who co-owns the streaming platform Mansa, emphasized the importance of telling African stories as a means of countering prejudice through representation, while acknowledging historical and ongoing exploitation of the African continent.
Oyelowo noted the scale of the subject’s medical work, referencing approximately 80,000 surgical procedures performed on survivors. Both actors underscored the significance of films like Muganga in documenting African experiences and human rights work on a global platform.
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