In 2024, I was asked by CNN Create to lead creative direction across a series of short documentaries. Having previously created another documentary format for Afreximbank (highlighting their work to build prosperity for African people globally), it was exciting to collaborate with them again and showcase the impact of their work.
Filmed in 2024 Q4, the six-part series was launched in spring 2025 and attracted millions of views in its first few weeks. The film about Eva’s Coffee, supported by Afreximbank through their ShowcaseHER accelerator for female entrepreneurs, got more than 1 million views within two weeks of being launched.
Making the series took us around the continent, working with talented local crew and exploring a variety of cultures. It was an honour to help tell the stories of the entrepreneurs featured and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of the Bank’s work in Africa and beyond.
Producing the series with a very strict production schedule was an incredible challenge that the CNN Create team met head on. It was brilliant to work again with an amazing team including:
Series Creative Director: David Allain | Series Creative Producer: Hannah Tilley
Senior Director of Production & Global Executive Producer: Martin Laing
Senior Director & Chief Creative Officer: John Malone
Head of Post-Production: Benjamin New | Art Director: Adnan Kazi
Senior Creative Producer: Angela Confeggi | Senior Production Manager: Louisa Gomez
Production Manager: David Rose | Production Coordinator: Paula Roelas
Project Management & Resource Lead: Weronika Karecka
Content Strategy Lead: Helen Collerton | Strategist: Helene Dancer
Director: Narghi Dotieva (thanks for covering PAPSS when schedules clashed)
DOPs: Matt Glen, Jamie Roper & Ben Liddell
Editors: Morgan de Laporte, Tim Slessor, Jeremy Burdock & Jamie Roper
For project or press enquiries contact studio@davidallain.com