By Gabs Mia
At the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) annual meeting, American multi-award-winning actress Viola Davis delivered a compelling discourse on the importance of representation in entertainment. Emphasizing the need for diverse narratives that reflect the full spectrum of human experiences, Davis articulated a vision for storytelling that transcends conventional limitations.
For the Oscar-winning actress, the quest for freedom and authentic representation is what drives her to seek roles that challenge the status quo. Davis underscored that storytelling should serve as a tool for humanizing people and broadening the range of narratives available to audiences. This involves not only depicting trauma but also celebrating joy, love, and the myriad emotions that define the human experience.
“Great storytelling,” Davis asserted, “is not about the absence of trauma but the presence of both trauma and joy.” She highlighted the critical need to humanize people of color and expand the scope of narratives portrayed on screen. This encompasses telling stories of falling in love, self-discovery, and everyday triumphs and challenges.
To achieve this, Davis called for a challenge to the “white gaze” that often dominates storytelling and restricts the diversity of narratives available to people of color. By pushing back against stereotypes and advocating for more nuanced and complex portrayals, Davis believes that the entertainment industry can create stories that resonate deeply with diverse audiences and allow them to see themselves authentically represented.
The ultimate goal, according to Davis, is to tell stories that resonate with audiences and reflect their realities. This requires a commitment to authentic representation and a willingness to challenge established norms. By doing so, the entertainment industry can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to see themselves represented in all their complexity and humanity.
In addition to her insightful panel discussion, a significant partnership was announced at the event. Afreximbank, the Fund of Export Development in Africa (FEDA), and JVL Media formalized a collaboration through a Memorandum of Intent signed by Viola Davis. This partnership aims to advance publishing and the development of Africa’s film value chain, as well as promote Afro-narratives within global cinema through the Creative Africa Nexus Programme.
This collaboration signifies a major step forward in elevating African stories and ensuring they receive the global recognition they deserve, further advancing the mission of authentic representation championed by Viola Davis.
