Sterling Bank has underscored its commitment to Africa’s creative economy by sponsoring the 2024 S16 Film Festival, a premier platform for independent African filmmaking. Organized by the Surreal Collective in collaboration with A Whitespace Creative Agency, the festival has garnered international acclaim, attracting thousands of attendees and forming partnerships with cultural institutions like the Dutch and French embassies. This year’s edition, themed “Technologics,” showcased the intersection of storytelling and technological innovation, offering film screenings, exhibitions, panels, and masterclasses that redefined African cinema.
The partnership aligns with Sterling Bank’s mission to reshape the continent’s creative economy through funding, mentorship, and strategic industry collaborations. Speaking on the sponsorship, Maurice Igugu, Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank, emphasized the power of creativity in shaping economic futures, noting that the festival exemplifies this vision by merging art and technology. The bank aims to empower visionary filmmakers and foster an ecosystem where African storytelling can thrive on a global stage.
Sterling Bank’s Creative & Entertainment Business Department plays a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s cultural renaissance, offering resources, capital, and capacity-building opportunities to creatives. By partnering with platforms like the S16 Film Festival, the bank is creating pathways for innovation and collaboration, cementi