Weaam Williams leads Entertainment Technologists' ambitious expansion into Africa's film scene

As the global film industry continues to grow, Entertainment Technologists - a distribution company in Los Angeles - is setting its sights on the African market.

Armed with its cutting-edge Media Shippers platform, the company has made a powerful entrance at the Durban FilmMart and is now poised for its next big event at MIP Africa 2025 in Cape Town.

Celebrated South African filmmaker, Weaam Williams, of African Film DAO, is at the forefront of the expansion.

Appointed as the African curator and consultant, Williams has been tasked with the role of onboarding local filmmakers, distributors and buyers onto the Media Shippers platform. 

To mark this significant step towards integrating African cinema into the global landscape, Entertainment Technologists has announced a special screening of the acclaimed Malaysian film, "Memori" during MIP Africa in Cape Town.

The tear-jerking family drama explores themes of memory, identity and intergenerational connection.

Directed by rising Malaysian filmmaker Abid Hussain, "Memori" recently completed its theatrical run in Asia in July.

Set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s historic District Six, "Memori" is a poignant tale of a strained relationship between a father and son, shaped by the turbulent events of the past.

"Memori's" cast is headlined by veteran actor Datuk Hilal Azman as Hassan, Hisyam Hamid as Imran and Diana Danielle as Rina.

The story begins when Imran and his wife Rina discover that Hassan's (Imran's father) memory is fading. He starts seeing people and things that don't exist, and when they take him to a doctor, the shocking truth is revealed. 

Speaking more about the storyline in an interview online, Hussain said: "Imran, who has not had a good relationship with Hassan, is forced to spend quality time with his father, and recreate stories of his past in order to remind him of his family.

"By constantly reminding Hassan, Imran creates in his father's mind short bursts of good memories that help improve their soured relationship, as well as that between Imran and his wife."

According to an official statement, the screening carries profound cultural weight as well.

"Taking place in Cape Town’s historic District Six, once a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood, it became a symbol of forced removals during apartheid. The themes of 'Memori' - memory, loss, and family - deeply resonate with the Cape Malay experience, offering a powerful intersection between global storytelling and local history."

Beyond the cinematic experience, the screening serves as a vital networking platform for filmmakers, buyers, festival programmers and distributors from South Africa, Asia and the United States.

MIP Africa is set to take place from September 1 - 3 in Cape Town. The free screening of "Memori" will be held at the District Six Homecoming Centre on September 1 at 5.30pm.