At the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, notable debutant screenwriters included Hailey Gates (Atropia), Rashad Frett (Ricky), and Lin Que Ayoung (co-writer of Ricky), as well as the fellows selected for the Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive programs.
Hailey Gates: wrote and directed “Atropia,” which won the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic. Rashad Frett: directed and wrote “Ricky,” which won the Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic, and was co-written by Lin Que Ayoung.
Sundance Screenwriters Lab and Intensive Fellows:
The Sundance Institute announced the fellows selected for the 2025 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive programs.
These programs provide emerging artists with a space to develop their first and second independent features. Fellows include:
Andrea Ellsworth Joanne Mony Park Catalina Torres Melina Valdez Kasey Elise Walker
Other notable debut films:
“By Design”: written and directed by Amanda Kramer.
“Lurker”: written and directed by Alex Russell, who previously wrote for “The Bear” and “Beef”. “Sorry, Baby”: written and directed by Eva Victor.
“Together”: written and directed by Michael Shanks. “Love, Brooklyn”: directed by Rachael Abigail Holder. “Bubble & Squeak”: directed by Evan Twohy. “Bunnylovr”: directed by Katarina Zhu. “Kiss of the Spider Woman”: written and directed by Bill Condon.
In today’s digital age, content plays a vital role in capturing the attention of our desired audience. With the ever-increasing demand for online information, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to create content that truly resonates.
As content enthusiasts, We’ve explored various content strategies and identified the top 10 most effective techniques to captivate your audience.
Audience Insight: Understanding your target audience is crucial. Research their interests, pain points, and preferences to craft content that speaks directly to them.
Compelling Storytelling: Share your brand’s history, highlight customer success stories, or convey your message through narratives that inspire and engage.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that adds value to your audience.
Visual Appeal: Incorporate high-quality images, videos, and infographics to break up text and enhance engagement.
Content Revival: Breathe new life into existing content by repurposing and updating it to make it relevant to current trends.
User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their experiences, photos, or videos featuring your brand, showcasing social proof and building trust.
Interactive Content: Engage your audience with quizzes, polls, and surveys that encourage participation and increase engagement.
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and tap into their existing audience.
Search Engine Optimization: Ensure your content is optimized for relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and image optimization to increase online visibility.
Performance Analysis: Track your content’s performance to understand what works and what doesn’t, adjusting your strategy accordingly.
By incorporating these proven content strategies, you’ll be well on your way to crafting captivating content that resonates with your audience and achieves your content goals.
Darlington Alas Asaba, whose stage name is Blinkz Baba, is a multihyphenate creative as is expected of any creative affiliated with Rara Avis. Blinkz is a singer, songwriter, event planner, hype mc, and DJ. He is an astonishingly talented singer and songwriter. One of his songs which stands out and is easily recognizable is his hit song ”Omotena“!
This culturally infused track, with its captivating rhythm, melody, and lyrics, is guaranteed to get you moving! Its heartfelt tribute to an anonymous female figure resonates with women of all kinds. Celebrating the strength and beauty of womanhood, this song makes a perfect dedication from any man to his special someone – no need to change a single name in the lyrics
Rara Avis on Blinkz ”Omotena”
Blinkz has been an integral part of Rara Avis, right from the inception. He doesn’t quite fit into the debutant profile, -though he’s a fast emerging artist- because he has had some performance opportunities prior to signing up.
He is a full powerhouse… Rara Avis’ Golden Creative! Yes! He is usually the last artist to perform because just like in a relay, you want to save the best for last to make up for lapses from other team members.
Blinkz never disappoints with his performances. He always gets a standing ovation at hugely packed events. He was part of our entourage to SMA Nigeria. see link
Last year, Blinkz made it to the finals of a music themed reality TV competition ”Naija Star Search” organized by Startimes with the support of Trace Naija: Trace Naija‘s parent company is Trace Africa .
Blinkz Baba performed on season 2 of Naija Star Search on ST Nollywood Plus on Saturdays at 8 PM.
INTERVIEW
Here Rara Avis talks to Blinkz Baba about his experiences prior to and post competition:
Pre-Competition Experience
Rara Avis : What motivated you to sign up for the Naija Star search competition?
Blinkz Baba : I was motivated because i am a talented singer and i knew i have what it takes to compete.
Rara Avis : Can you share your musical background and experiences before entering the competition?
Blinkz Baba : Before entering the competition i was already doing music professionally : I had put out a body of work and was going out for gigs.
Rara Avis : What were your expectations from the competition, and did you have any prior experience with music competitions?
Blinkz Baba : My expectations while in competition was to gain new knowledge, better approach to live performance and also to emerge as the winner.
Competition Experience
Rara Avis : How would you describe your experience as a contestant on the show?
Blinkz Baba : It was a bit tough having to meet different personalities and to have to work as a group to perform a song … but in the end , it made me even better.
Rara Avis : What were some of the most challenging moments for you during the competition?
Blinkz Baba : Some of the most challenging moments in the competition was have to nominate my fellow contestant for eviction and also getting to do unfamiliar songs and having just a day to score it … and perform same day.
Rara Avis : How did you handle the pressure and stress of performing live and being judged?
Blinkz Baba : It wasn’t as much pressure for me because I was already used to performing in front for thousands of people.
Career Impact
Rara Avis : How has being a finalist on the competition impacted your music career?
Blinkz Baba : Becoming a finalist has helped me in gaining more attention and connection. It was a career boost for my music…price went up.
Rara Avis : Have you seen an increase in fan engagement, bookings, or collaborations since the show?
Blinkz Baba : Yes, absolutely, especially in terms of booking
Rara Avis : Can you share any notable opportunities or achievements that have arisen as a result of your participation?
Blinkz Baba : As result of my participation, I have worked with Trace TV on several occasions. I had a meeting with the popularly known singer, Oxlade, I am working on a distribution opportunity with Nigerian hiphop first lady her self, Sasha P, I also got special branding tips from Vector and international producer Cobahms .
Lessons Learned
Rara Avis : What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your experience on the show?
Blinkz Baba : I learnt to put in creativity during my stage performances. I learnt music writing.
Rara Avis : How did the competition help you grow as an artist, and what skills did you develop?
Blinkz Baba : It helped grow my confidence, how to handle a microphone properly and to always leverage on being on camera at all times.
Rara Avis : Are there any specific feedback or critiques from the judges that have stuck with you and influenced your music?
Blinkz Baba : Yes the judges told me to also use my vocal strength, and they see me rocking Jazz festivals around the world.
Yes the judges told me to also use my vocal strength, and they see me rocking Jazz festivals around the world.
Blinkz on Judges’ remarks
Personal Growth
Rara Avis : How did the competition affect you personally, and what did you learn about yourself?
Blinkz Baba : I learnt and discovered that I could actually sing better than I thought I could because the competition allowed me to push myself to the limit and discover my potential.
Rara Avis : Were there any moments of self-doubt or uncertainty, and how did you overcome them?
Blinkz Baba : I was in a competition with so many talented singers and sometimes when I hear them sing,I have that fright … but in all, I remained confident of myself and delivered.
Rara Avis : How has your experience on the show shaped your perspective on success and perseverance?
Blinkz Baba : My participation in the show has helped me believe in my creativity, in music and i see success closer than I ever did before!
Future Plans
Rara Avis : What’s next for you musically, and are you working on any new projects?
Blinkz Baba : I just dropped a new song titled Cold available on all platforms. I am also in the process of putting out my first EP soon where I will be collaborating with some talented creatives like myself.
Rara Avis : How do you plan to leverage your experience and exposure from the competition to further your career?
Blinkz Baba : With the experience I have gotten from the competition I plan to use all what I have learnt and put it in my music … and of course collaborate.
Rara Avis : Are there any specific goals or milestones you’re aiming to achieve in the next year or two?
Blinkz Baba : Yes. In the next two years my prediction is for my music to have gone global and get that full attention it deserves.
Reflection on Rara Avis
Rara Avis :Did Rara Avis have any impact on your career prior to going on Naija Star Search?
Blinkz Baba : Rara Avis has always been the backbone to my experience in stage performances and branding.
Rara Avis : What do you think that Rara Avis should do to help prepare artists who want to go on competitions such as Naija Star Search?
Blinkz Baba : I think Rara Avis should keep doing what its already doing … that is training creatives, take them for performance tour and also encourage artist to better their craft.
Rara Avis : Would you recommend Rara Avis to emerging artists? Why?
Blinkz Baba : One simple reason is because Rara Avis is part of my music success today. One thing I know is that with Rara Avis your growth is certain!
One simple reason is because Rara Avis is part of my music success today. One thing I know is that with Rara Avis your growth is certain!
Blinkz on Rara Avis
As a multihyphenate creative, you have to keep pushing like Blinkz is. He is a phenomenal artist and a powerhouse on stage. However, there’s still a lot to be accomplished because he hasn’t even tapped into a quarter of his talents!
Watch some of Blinkz‘s performances at Naija Star Search.
We had a conversation with Oba Lurge, one of Nigeria’s foremost consistent rappers, who has participated in a plethora of creative adventures, from winning rap battles and creative competitions, to establishing a string of creative businesses: St. Anthony -a clothing brand and Equip Your Studio -platform that sells equipment to Cinematographers and others; to representing and funding himself as an independent artist, as a result to him having a rich and enviable music catalogue, which boasts of featuring the best in the game : emerging and established artists; to pioneering a creative business centered podcast “4DACulture” , and more. The list is literarily inexhaustible! Oba Lurge often makes you wonder what the next creative venture he has up his sleeves!
Model
St. Anthony
Oba Lurge
At The Plug PR event
Our aim, in this Rara Avis specially curated interview, is targeted towards helping emerging artists have insight to the entertainment industry through Oba Lurge’s lenses: to understand what drives him, share in his experiences in the industry, get advice for positioning and use his story as inspiration to continue to create, regardless of circumstance.
INTERVIEW
Rara Avis : What sparked your passion for music, and how did you get started in the industry?
Oba Lurge : I ask myself this question a lot and I never seem to find an answer. I remember long before I clocked 6… if you’d remember all those cassette players they always had a red or a black button you could press to start recording?.. Yea, I messed with a lot of my parents cassettes rapping bullshit lol. Then sometime in the early 2000s, my elder brother introduced me to American rapper Fredro Starr and his music touched me in a way nothing else did. Fast forward a few years later, my elder brother was making music and I think that robbed off on me even after he stopped. And just 3 years ago, I found out my great grand father “Ojua Ojupan” made music! I think it’s in the family ’cause I see some of my nephews rapping already. I even have a song with one of them, Bryan on my 2021 project Sorry For The Wait.
Rara Avis : Who were your earliest influences, and how did they shape your sound?
Oba Lurge : Funny enough my earliest influences were the likes of Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Jim Reeves and Fela ’cause my mom was a huge fan of their music… then much later Fredro Starr, Uncle Snoop, Nas, Pac and Hov. I think they shaped my sound in a way that I always have to make sense when I write my lyrics unlike what we hear all over the place lately.
Rara Avis : Can you walk us through your process for crafting a new song or album?
Oba Lurge : I hardly ever write my lyrics before heading to the studio. Most of the time, I just explain to my producers the vibe that’s in my head and let the beat that they make provoke the melody and tell me what to say! Making albums is some of my favorite things to do ’cause I really enjoy telling stories as an art form
Rara Avis : What are some common mistakes you’ve seen emerging artists make, and how can they avoid them?
Oba Lurge : Chasing people. lmao , that never works! Realistically each of these prominent guys already have a tight schedule but they’re constantly looking for the next guy with potentials… you most likely lose that chance constantly being in their face seeking validation. But if you build some real value around yourself you’ll attract them. Also people really think it’s just about making music. it’s not! It’s more about marketing it. We all have people we know that make very good music with no traction and we also know some people with garbage music do very well ’cause their marketing is right.
Realistically each of these prominent guys already have a tight schedule but they’re constantly looking for the next guy with potentials… you most likely lose that chance constantly being in their face seeking validation
Oba Lurge to emerging artists.
People really think it’s just about making music. it’s not! It’s more about marketing it.
Oba Lurge
Rara Avis : Can you share an experience where a connection or mentorship helped advance your career?
Oba Lurge : I’m not going to lie to you all my life in the music business and industry, people have helped me; but this happened ’cause I built genuine connections with them long before they were in position. I hardly ever pay for radio and TV promotions ’cause I know people there. They genuinely care in the sense that if I wasn’t making music we’d still have been in each other’s lives so that makes it easy for me to navigate. Where people go to spend millions I could only spend a few thousands.
I hardly ever pay for radio and TV promotions ’cause I know people there.
Oba Lurge
People have helped me; but this happened ’cause I built genuine connections with them long before they were in position…Where people go to spend millions I could only spend a few thousands.
Oba Lurge
Rara Avis : What advice would you give to artists looking to build relationships with industry professionals?
Obalurge : Build genuine relationships bro, offer people value, be there for them even when they don’t need you and that’ll help.
Rara Avis : What’s your take on the current state of the music industry, and how can emerging artists position themselves for success?
Oba Lurge : This is a very tough question but I’m very happy for where it is. A lot of people have been able to change their lives with it and the music has transcended boarders. Positioning yourself, you need 3 things: the music, an image and buzz. It’s quite easy to get the first 2 compared to the later because it requires strategy, planning and some money. If you don’t have a sponsor please get a job or learn a skill cos this is the most expensive thing you’ll probably ever venture into.
Positioning yourself, you need 3 things: the music, an image and buzz. It’s quite easy to get the first 2 compared to the later because it requires STRATEGY, planning and some money.
Oba Lurge
If you don’t have a sponsor please get a job or learn a skill cos this is the most expensive thing you’ll probably ever venture into.
Oba Lurge
Rara Avis : What’s next for you, and how do you see your career evolving in the future?
Oba Lurge : I’m currently working on 2 projects for this year; a mixtape and an album. The mixtape is ready but the album is still in the works. It features some of your favorites and the album art for the album will be made by the Legend Lemi Ghariokwu! That’s the most exciting part for me because this man made over 25 album arts for Baba Fela. What are the odds that he’s working on mine if I wasn’t destined for greatness!
You can read up about Oba Lurge in an earlier post by clicking >> LINK
