Small Screens, Big Reach: Africa Goes Vertical
Small Screens, Big Reach: Africa Goes Vertical
Vertical micro-series are reshaping global entertainment, and Africa is emerging as a dynamic new market for the format. CEEIT CEO and Co-Founder and former Lionsgate executive Lavenna Peters joins producer, educator, and BAFTA Fellow Melissa Adeyemo to explore the opportunities vertical storytelling is creating for African talent and diasporic audiences. Together, they’ll discuss new models for production, distribution, and investment.
The program also includes the world premiere screening of Confessions of a Gold Digger.
Films in This Program
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:30 AM · AMC 19th Street, Theater 3
Lavenna Peters
Co-Founder & CEO · Ceeit
Lavenna has built a career across media and entertainment.
Began at Bauer Media before joining Lionsgate UK. Worked across the development, capitalization, and launch of MEGA, the record label founded by LA Reid and Usher, where she served as COO. She orchestrated the HBCU OTG Cards program with Mastercard for HBCUs and Greek organizations, and advises and invests in early-stage companies, supporting strategy & capital raises.
Melissa O. Adeyemo
Ominira, Founder + Yetu (Un)Limited, Co-Founder and Co-Head of Studio
Melissa O. Adeyemo is an acclaimed producer, educator, and strategist whose work advances African and diaspora stories across film, education, and global markets. She is the founder and CEO of Ominira Studios and cofounder of Yetu (Un)Limited. Her producing credits include Eyimofe (This Is My Desire), Dusty & Stones, and Tender Thoughts. A BAFTA member and international mentor, she champions culturally ambitious work and the filmmakers behind it.
Photo credit: EAVE/©Frank Schoepgens
