Lotanna is a filmmaker, animator, and journalist with a keen interest in

history and diverse cultures. She leverages the medium of animation to craft engaging

nonfiction stories, offering invaluable cultural, historical, and political insights relevant to

our contemporary world.

Director Statement: What’s in a Name began as a deeply personal exploration of my lineage

and the meaning carried within my name. While researching my family history and

reflecting on my own experiences of erasure, I uncovered the quiet absence of women from

records and stories, an absence that mirrors broader patterns of patriarchy and the

enduring impact of colonization on Igbo society.

Animation gives me a language to restore erased voices with color, texture, and movement.

Through this film, I seek to honor the legacies of women who came before me and to resist

the erasures that continue to shape our collective memory.

Jehan Patterson is a Writer/Director based out of his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

He previously studied at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta Georgia and he is currently an

MFA student at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. His work aims

to encompass nuanced and honest presentations of the human experience of members of

the African Diaspora. His work includes PSA’s and short films that have premiered across

film festivals such as the Pan African Film Festival, and been shown on on international

media outlets such as AJ Plus. His work has been focused on fighting injustices while

humanizing individuals from oppressed or marginalized groups. He has also worked on

stage productions spanning both Chicago and Atlanta theater circuits.

Dir StatementI What hope to reflect with Many Thousands Lost is the humanity that these

people have in them, that when injustice rears its head, its not taking statistics or numbers,

its taking lives, separating families and upholding the legacy of Chattel Slavery in this

country. Remember that when you are looking at prisoners you are looking at you, a piece of

you, a part of us all.

Brian Khawula is an award-winning filmmaker and film facilitator

dedicated to telling compelling African stories that resonate both locally

and internationally. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, he has a passion

for narratives that explore social, political, and personal themes,

particularly those rooted in rural communities.

With a strong background in film production, Brian has been instrumental

in developing and facilitating programs that empower emerging

storytellers. His work blends authentic African storytelling with high

cinematic quality, making his films powerful cultural and artistic

statements.

Dir. Statement: This film delves into the ongoing issue of political

assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, a harsh reality that continues to shape

our communities. My Father’s Shadow is not just a thriller-it is a necessary

conversation about the cost of power, destruction of families, and the

urgent need for awareness. Through this story, we aim to shed light on

these political killings and their devastating impact, ensuring that such

narratives are not ignored but rather serve as a lesson for future

generations.