29/10/2007

An award-winning film-maker and lecturer at the University of Wales, Newport has been invited to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace as a result of her award-winning documentary films about women in Africa.

Florence Ayisi, a senior lecturer at the International Film School Wales (IFSW), will be going to a Reception being held prior to a State Visit by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Uganda and the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting in Kampala. She is one of the guests invited because their work reflects strong associations with Commonwealth African countries.

“I feel honoured and privileged to be invited to Buckingham Palace - this will be a rare and memorable experience,” said 42-year-old Florence (left), who was born in Cameroon but now lives in Cardiff.

“I am delighted because I see the invitation as something special, and am pleased that my research work here at the University is being recognised to the point where my name has appeared on the list of guests invited to meet Her Majesty prior to her visit to Africa. I am looking forward to meeting the Queen and other members of the Royal family.”

Florence is gaining an international reputation for her inspirational documentary films exploring the lives of women in Africa.

“My aim is to make films that present constructive and positive images of modern African women’s lives,” said Florence whose latest film, ‘Zanzibar Soccer Queens’, tells the powerful story of women’s aspirations, struggles and achievements as they recover their confidence and hope by playing football.

“Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim society and my film shows how these women’s passion for football helps them to transcend their expected roles and status in life,” said Florence.

The film, which had its UK premiere at the Black Film Festival at the Chapter Cinema in Cardiff, has forged a strong friendship link between the women in the film and Cardiff City LFC.  The two women’s football teams now exchange ideas about their way of life and culture and the Cardiff women are supporting their counterparts in Africa by donating kit and equipment.

Florence's previous film ‘Sisters in Law’, about women in the Cameroonian judiciary, scooped several awards including the BMG Zomba Award for best documentary on a contemporary issue at the prestigious Grierson Awards which recognise the best in contemporary documentary filmmaking, and the Prix Art et Essai which is awarded for artistic merit and innovation at the Cannes Film Festival.