We have a few incredible films, documentaries, and an international African reality projects that we will be announcing soon, and we can’t wait to keep you posted!
Owethu Maseko. Published 13 October 2023.
FemaleFilmmakerFriday features Financial Guru, Producer and Co-Founder of Azania Productions Aimee Dherman.
My venture into filmmaking was somewhat accidental. While pursuing a BCom Accounting degree and completing my articles, I began assisting a TV production house in their accounting department. It was during this time that I recognized how my passion for numbers could be used to enhance the business aspect of the art. From that moment on, my goals have been focused solely on expanding the arts.
To keep my creativity thriving, I make a deliberate effort to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and listen to their perspectives on what they would like to see in film and television. This includes engaging with individuals from different age groups and walks of life. I believe that this openness to different viewpoints and experiences is critical for staying creative and inspired.
Throughout history, the arts have often relied on government or royalty sponsorship, but I strongly believe that content is crucial for driving the economy. It is through storytelling and content that advertisers can sell their products and services to audiences who engage with our content. I genuinely believe that the arts hold a critical place in the economy, yet their value is not always reflected in the sector. My influence and drive come from exploring ways to change this without imposing limitations on artists’ creative expression.
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single most memorable moment, but if I had to choose, I would say that it was in 2018 when my late business partner and I made the decision to leave our respective jobs to establish Azania Production. In hindsight, we didn’t have a clear idea of how we were going to obtain the necessary financing or steer the venture to success, but we had a burning passion and made a pact to do everything in our power to make it work.
My biggest inspiration comes from education and creating sustainable jobs. In my opinion, addressing the issues in our education system can lead to solving many of our broader societal issues. Additionally, empowering women and sharing our stories is key to unlocking our true potential. I am constantly exploring new ways to facilitate education, whether it’s through offering bursaries, providing on-set training, or creating content that can educate our audiences.
Azania Productions is deeply committed to this cause. Our Incubator program is designed to offer directors and writers a chance to create a “bridging film” that leads to bigger and better productions. We believe that providing this opportunity will help build new talent and spur innovation in the industry.
We have a few incredible films, documentaries, and an international African reality projects that we will be announcing soon, and we can’t wait to keep you posted!
