Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Doing Business in Africa, Saving Kodak and Indie Sci-Fi
Americans are clinging to the idea of an Africa that needs to be saved, not invested in. And we risk missing out on an economic boom if we don’t change that attitude. In a digital world, a group of high-profile filmmakers are stepping in to save film. The world of indie sci-fi film… and more.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenToday on Press Play, African leaders are meeting with President Obama this week in Washington to talk about economic development and business opportunities. But most Americans still view the continent as a place to be saved, not invested in. And what does it mean to actually do business in Africa? Then, a group of high-profile filmmakers are banding together to help save Kodak’s motion picture film business. Next, a look at how the drought has affected the wine industry in California. And a new book details a caper in which one of the most sought-after wines in the world is taken hostage. Finally, we take a peek inside the character-driven world of independent science fiction films.
Banner Image: President Obama and four presidents from Africa, public domain, U.S. Government.
In this episode
6 storiesAfrica Reality Check
News of the ebola outbreak in Western Africa has cast a shadow over the summit of African heads of state and business leaders in Washington this week. But African leaders are trying to change the narrative coming out of this meeting. Our collective American view of Africa is often one of disfunction, disease, war, ethnic tensions.
Read the story8 minDoing Business in Africa
What does it mean to actually do business in Africa? Stephen Katsaros is the founder of a company called Nokero, as in “No Kerosene”. Kerosene is a widely used fuel in Africa, but Katsaros is pushing a transition to solar, portable light bulbs in places like Kenya and Uganda.
Read the story8 minSaving Kodak
A group of high-profile filmmakers and cinematographers are banding together to keep Kodak’s motion picture film division afloat.
Read the story9 minWine and the Drought
California’s epic drought is bringing new meaning to the term “dry wine.” We produce about 90 percent of U.S. wine, but record-low rainfall is starting to take a toll on our vineyards. With no relief in sight, the situation could threaten one of the state’s signature industries.
Read the story5 minShadows in the Vineyard
Poison, intrigue… and booze: all key components of an unusual crime that played out a few years ago in the French countryside. A world-renowned vineyard was threatened with poisoning if the owners didn’t pay up. The caper that unfolded shines a light on the rarefied world of fine wines and the colorful characters that inhabit it.
Read the story8 minIndie Sci-fi
Giant studio sci-fi films are pretty much a sure thing when it comes to box office money. But there’s a rich world of independent science fiction films as well. And these films are asking big questions - even if they’re not making big bucks.
Read the story9 min
