Dumevi Irene Yaamoakoa, who goes by the name Irene, is a 25-year-old television director and holds a diploma in Television Production. Born in Accra, Ghana, what gets Irene fired up about the African creative industry is its eagerness to make an impact in the global film and television world.
“I believe in the next ten years, African creatives would be competing strongly with our global counterparts in terms of financing, skills, technology, acting etc.,” says Irene.
Her favourite film is Django Unchained, and her favourite actor is America’s Denzel Washington, particularly because he can fully and magnificently embody any role he is given. Irene’s favourite TV show is Women’s Voice.
Irene is passionate about gender and the youth. If given a chance to create any TV show, it would be youth-oriented and would actively-discussed issues such as education, financial independence, career, entertainment and relationships.
The African film creative that she looks up to the most is Ghanaian director Shirley Frimpong-Manso, whom Irene admires for her writing and directing skills, and the fact that she is a woman making strides in the industry.
Irene’s favourite African TV and film stars are Ghana’s Lydia Forson and Adjetey Anang, and Nigeria’s Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Ramsey Nouah.
Irene hopes to gain new industry skills from the MultiChoice Talen Factory Academy programme, and equally learn from industry professionals and fellow students.