African
Network for
Archiving
Narratives and
Storytelling
Initiative
Train – Equip – Collect – Archive
At the heart of ANANSI is empowering communities, particularly the youth, to become skilled filmmakers and storytellers.
- We identify promising individuals and provide them with hands-on training through practical film school sessions. These sessions cover everything from storytelling techniques to technical film making skills.
- Our approach ensures that participants are not just learning but are developing careers or hobbies that can sustain them financially.
- We bring in expert mentors and offer internship programs, helping to build a solid foundation for these emerging talents, giving them the tools to succeed in the film industry and beyond.
To support our trained filmmakers, we partner with existing institutions such as libraries, high school computer labs, community centers, and community-based NGOs.
We equip these spaces with the necessary film making equipment and computers, creating accessible hubs where youth can borrow gear and work on their projects, much like a library system.
This approach leverages existing infrastructure, making it easier for these young filmmakers to continue honing their craft and producing high-quality content.
ANANSI is committed to capturing and sharing authentic stories.
We capture and collect a wide range of content-stories, photos, audio recordings, interviews and produce polished pieces for distribution across social media, national television, and mainstream media outlets.
We will explore revenue generation for creators, with opportunities to monetize their work, including festivals and community screenings. Activate Wind
We curate themed stories every month, giving our filmmakers a chance to focus on specific topics and produce content that resonates with audiences.
ANANSI uses technology to improve the accessibility, distribution, and monetization of its content.
Through AI and digital solutions, it creates platforms that not only archive but also categorize, promote, and commercialize authentic African narratives, making them easily discoverable and commercially viable.
Why it matters
The work of ANANSI Heritage Foundation is crucial because stories are the lifeblood of culture and history
Research Database: Our extensive
archive provides a vast repository of African narratives, offering valuable resources for research, education, documentaries, and feature films. This database supports a deeper understanding of Africa’s rich cultural history.
Preserve Cultural Heritage:
Safeguarding stories from being lost or misrepresented ensures that future generations have access to authentic cultural narratives.
Create alternative livelihoods: Our training programs and resource provisions lead directly to employment opportunities. By equipping individuals with film making skills and access to necessary tools, we help create sustainable livelihoods in communities.
Promote Social Change: Stories have the power to influence perspectives and inspire action. By highlighting issues of power, culture, innovation, and more, we contribute to positive social change and awareness.
About Us
Pastel Creatives was founded in 2015 by Sena, a documentary filmmaker and video journalist, to bridge the gap between raw creative talent and industry opportunities. While traveling across Africa and working with global brands like USAID, MTN, BBC, and VOA, Sena realized that many young creatives had the passion and skill but lacked access to training, equipment, and networks. He started Pastel Creatives to train, connect, and empower aspiring filmmakers, ensuring they could tell their own stories and thrive in the media industry.
Over the years, Pastel Creatives has trained over 100 filmmakers and freelancers, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers. Alumni like Chris Baiden (Vision in View), Barima Kojo (Bokeh Studios), and Samuel Mintah (Sam Mint Studios) have created their own companies, producing films, commercials, and documentaries for global clients. Pastel Creatives has also expanded beyond Ghana, training storytellers in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, helping them acquire equipment and work on international projects.
More than just a production house, Pastel Creatives is a community of storytellers, mentors, and industry leaders, shaping the future of African filmmaking. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world projects, we continue to create opportunities for the next generation of visual storytellers.
