Meta And Africa No Filter Partners To Promote Use Of Virtual Reality In Storytelling
Meta and Africa No Filter, a narrative change organisation, have announced a partnership to launch a new fund in Nigeria and other African countries to boost the use of virtual reality in storytelling.
The organisations said in a statement that the fund would be disbursed under the ‘Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds’ programme.
The statement said, “Supporting Extended Reality storytellers to develop new and compelling content about Africa, the programme will provide grants and mentorship.
“‘Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds’ forms part of Meta’s focus on immersive technologies and Africa No Filter’s investments in innovative storytelling that shifts negative stereotypes about Africa.”
Meta’s Public Policy Programs Director, Africa, Middle East, and Turkey, Sherry Dzinoreva, said, “We’re excited to be partnering with ANF to launch a fund that brings together the best of the African tech ecosystem to showcase innovations for the future and tell positive stories about Africa.
“Meta sits at the intersection of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and social connection, and this investment is a vote of confidence in the strength of the African tech industry and its ongoing potential. I’m certainly proud that Africa will be helping to shape the metaverse experience from the start.”
According to the statement, applications open from Monday, and successful applicants will receive funding of up to $30,000.
The company added that applicants must be of African descent and living in the continent and aged over 18 years, amidst other qualifications.
The Executive Director at Africa No Filter, Moky Makura, said, “Virtual reality has the potential to take storytelling to another level. In this new metaverse, audiences don’t just get to watch a story unfold, they get to live in it.
“This is an opportunity for African content creators to push the boundaries of their creativity and innovation.”
According to the statement, the application is open to organisations and individuals and is delivered in collaboration with Electric South and Imisi 3D.
“Participants will also get ongoing mentorship, production support, and opportunities to launch their projects in a virtual or in-person showcase, including the Electric South’s Creators Lab held in February 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa,” it said.
– Punch