The Debutant News is your premier source for the latest updates on creative debuts and releases in the entertainment industry. Get news, releases, and more from around the world, with a special focus on Africa and Nigeria.
If you are a lover of fast and future film, this is one you do not want to miss out on.
Directors, Vickie Curtis and Doug Anderson will be holding the world premiere of their documentary Comparsa, at Sheffield Documentary Festival.
Comparsa is an intimate portrait of sisters Lesli and Lupe, who ignite a luminous rebellion using a powerful mix of strategy, circus, and art to heal from violence and build a louder peace
Meet the creative team, including subject-collaborators, Lesli and Lupe at the world premiere and keep a lookout for some circus magic popping up around Sheffield this year.
A feature documentary directed by Nayibe Tavares-Abel and produced by Dominican producer, Lei González in the Dominican Republic, Colosal will be showing at Sheffield Documentary Festival.
It already had it’s world premiere at Berlinale’s FORUM 2025, and has continued its festival journey as an official selection in:
Hot Docs 2025 – Tipping Point (North American Premiere)
And is now nominated for the Tim Hetherington Award at Sheffield Doc/Fest
Don’t miss your chance of experiencing this deeply personal and political film exploring the Dominican Republic’s democratic history through the director’s eyes, Nayibe Tavares-Abel, whose family’s history has been intertwined with that of the country.
These themes are especially meaningful and important today, and we are more than glad to share this impactful story on the international stage.
SHEFFIELD DOCFEST SCREENINGS
Wednesday, June 18 — 16:00–17:36 | Showroom – Screen 1
Thursday, June 19 — 12:45–14:06 | Curzon – Screen 2
Friday, June 20 — 21:00–22:36 | Showroom – Screen 2
Unwelcomed—a powerful and timely documentary exploring migration and identity—has been officially selected for the Sheffield Doc Festival. This milestone follows the film’s Emerging Filmmaker Award win at HotDocs and its upcoming selection at Sydney DocFest, marking Unwelcomed as one of the most exciting documentaries on the circuit right now.
An epic journey over the Andes and into Chile structures this eye-opening documentary, which walks alongside the people at the heart of the Venezuelan migrant crisis. Winner of a major award at Hot Docs 2025. Directors Sebastián González Mendez and AmÃlcar Infante walk alongside these refugees – some of the millions fleeing their home country in what has become one of the largest ongoing migration crises in the world. In 2021, an unprecedented number of Venezuelans flocked south to Chile – many on foot. It’s a perilous journey of thousands of kilometres, across the arid, icy Andes and the Atacama Desert. This influx sparked a violent reaction among some in Iquique, in northern Chile, with migrants’ belongings set on fire. Porting between the protest’s epicentre and a birds-eye-view of the beautiful but hostile terrain, Unwelcomed is anchored in the grief, determination, and spirituality of the migrants.
In recent years, Chile witnessed a violent anti-immigrant protest, sparked by an unprecedented influx of Venezuelan migrants fleeing one of the world’s largest migration crises. Nearly 8 million have left their country, many enduring long treks to the Andean Highlands and Atacama Desert—only to face hostility. Determined to defend their way of life, locals responded with violence, as police stood by. Through striking visuals and firsthand accounts, this story reveals a stark truth: hope is met with fear, and the right to a new beginning is under threat.
🎬 Sheffield Screening
Fri, Jun 20th, 15:45 @ Curzon – Screen 1
Sun, Jun 22nd, 18:15 @ The Light – Screen 6
BOOK Here & More Info Unwelcomed – https://www.jambikadocs.com/films/unwelcomed
Sublime landscapes surrounds a story of the workers historical plights in an Ugandan salt-mining community who navigate broken promises of development.
“With striking imagery, heartfelt reflection and subtle humour underpins a portrait of a salt-mining community who navigate broken promises of development.”
Watch the international premiere at Sheffield DocFest for the Swedish-Ugandan film Katwe followed by a Q&A with the director Nima Shirali.
Join screenings:
Saturday, June 21, 15:30–17:26 Showroom – Screen 1
Sunday, June 22, 18:15–20:11 Showroom – Screen 2
More information and tickets are available here:👉 https://www.sheffdocfest.com/film/katwe
Rara Avis’ affiliated creative, Arsh ABG is set to debut her EP Launch at her self headlining event, Cake & Cruise Party. This Party will feature some affiliate community member creatives like, Dilo Swagz, Soundboy FA, Kween B and Blue Pinky. Other performance include music by Astral Nova and event hosting by Hype Venom.
Rara Avis Endorsement
Rara Avis is known for fostering and encouraging collaboration between emerging and debutant creatives. We believe that it is one of the best strategies for creative growth. Cross-peer networking is one of the focal ways creatives can support each others’ craft and build a formidable brand. Rara Avis endorses this event by the multi-hyphenated Arsh ABG, who doubles as a photographer and creative entrepreneur. Her sound is unique and tilts towards melancholia but with some upbeat afrobeats balance.
Birthday Celebration and Activities
The event is slated for May 16TH 2025, which intentionally falls on Arsh ABG’s birthday to mark both events.
Activities lined up include games, artist performance, food, dance and more. It starts at 11PM at an undisclosed location at Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. It promises to be an unforgettable and very electrifying experience especially with the calibre of artists in the lineup.
Ticket
For tickets and reservation contact +2348143849440 or send an inquiry mail to admin@raraavisentertainment.com
