Netflix Wins Seven Oscars, Biggest Haul Among All

Netflix Wins Seven Oscars, Biggest Haul Among All Studios This Year

Netflix had a big night at the Oscars, bringing home a total of seven total trophies — leading all studios — although the streamer failed to grab the prize in the best picture category and came up empty in the acting categories. Netflix had 36 nominations, far more than any other studio. The company’s wins at the 93rd Academy Awards included two Oscars for David Fincher’s “Mank,” the most-nominated film this year with 10 nods, for cinematography (for Erik Messerschmidt) and production design (for Donald Graham Burt and Jan Pascale). “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” adapted from the play by August Wilson, also picked up two Oscars: for makeup and hairstyling (with Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson the first Black women to win in the category alongside Sergio LopezRivera) and costume design (Ann Roth). Chadwick Boseman was widely considered the favorite to win a posthumous best actor Oscar for his turn in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” but Anthony Hopkins landed the award for “The Father.” Viola Davis was in the running for best actress, which went to Frances McDormand for “Nomadland.” Netflix’s seven Oscars are the most wins for a single studio since 2017, when Lionsgate nabbed eight (including six for

“La La Land”). After Netflix, Disney overall had the most wins at this year’s Oscars with five: Its Searchlight Pictures’ “Nomadland” picked up three wins (best picture, director for Chloé Zhao and actress for McDormand) and Disney-Pixar got two, for “Soul” (best animated feature film and score), representing the first-ever Academy Awards for Disney Plus. Warner Bros. had three Oscars wins: two for “Judas and the Black Messiah” (supporting actor for Daniel Kaluuya and song for H.E.R.’s “Fight For You”) and one for “Tenet” (visual effects). Amazon Studios’ “Sound of Metal” garnered two Oscar wins — for film editing and sound — after Amazon had nabbed 12 total nominations. Sony Pictures Classics also won a pair of Oscars for “The Father” (Hopkins for actor and adapted screenplay). Among other streamers at the 2021 Oscars, Apple had two nominations (for “Wolfwalkers” and “Greyhound”) and Hulu had one (for Andra Day in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) but they came away empty-handed.

Netflix, in addition to the awards for “Mank” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” also won Oscars for documentary feature “My Octopus Teacher” from Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed and Craig Foster; live-action short for “Two Distant Strangers” from Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe, about a man who gets stuck in a time loop and relives a deadly runin with a cop; and animated short film “If Anything Happens I Love You” from Will McCormack and Michael Govier, which follows parents as they struggle to accept the death of their daughter who was killed in a school shooting. Overall, Netflix had at least one nominee in 22 of the 23 Oscars categories (with the sole exception of international feature film). That included two contenders for best picture: “Mank” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” the latter of which had six nominations but was shut out from any wins.

Why Nigeria/Africa Needs a Cohesive Food Policy

Nigeria and Africa at large are combating food system related issues such as malnutrition, environmental degradation, the rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), cultural erosion and injustice. These issues can mostly be linked to defective or inadequate food policies. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in partnership with Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) carried out a collaborative research and reflection process to identify what tools are required to deliver sustainable food systems in Africa through coherent and effective policies. A study was carried out to explore the current governance structures and policy frameworks related to food in Nigeria and their fitness for purpose. The study which was conducted by Gloria Ekpo, a development consultant and facilitator at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, analysed the coherence between the food related policies and identified gaps for introducing reforms. The national plans, policies, programmes, initiatives and key implementing agencies that have guided and shaped the Nigerian agricultural, food security, and rural development landscapes from 1990 to 2020 were assessed. The aim was to show their impact on the lives of Nigerians, the food sector, and the entire ecosystem. On 6 May 2021 various stakeholders in the food sector including farmers, nutritionists, researchers, journalists, CSOs met in an in-person and virtual dialogue organised by HOMEF to review the findings of the study. Discussions focused on the gaps in the policies and on entry points for a better food policy and healthy, resilient and sustain-able food system in Nigeria and Africa. The research report and extensive discussions by the stakeholders highlighted issues facing food systems in Nigeria to include population growth, high number of people living in extreme poverty and rapid urbanization. It was also noted that public investments in the agricultural sector are low, resulting in underdeveloped infrastructure. Weak institutions, weak links between science and practice, low quality of education, and non-transparent markets with high transaction costs and high investment risks despite the high (urban) demand for food were also noted as challenges in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, it was stated that environmental trends, such as soil degradation, climate change, water scarcity, deforestation and decreasing biodiversity pose added threats to the food system. Other issues outlined include, the scarcity of resources which is a major driver of the pastoral-farmer conflict in Northern Nigeria; exclusion of small scale farmers in decision making process; and poor

extension service. Overall, it was revealed that the food related policies in Nigeria do not adequately address the challenges facing our food system. Some of the gaps identified in the food related policies in Nigeria include, poor coordination of policies on food, nutrition, and agriculture and poor alignment of policies between the federal and state governments. Other issues include weak monitoring and evaluation systems. A lack of continuity was also noted as many agricultural programmes and initiatives do not progress smoothly from implementation into expected outcomes and impacts. The absence of a Food Safety Act enacted early enough to, for example, control what is brought into the country was also listed as a pitfall. Stakeholders called for an implementable cohesive food policy which can address the outlined challenges facing our food system. They recommended that the different policy areas (agriculture, trade, environment, health) and

the different levels of engagement should be effectively connected. Also, it was recommended that a governing body which would provide policy oversight should be set up to address the coordination pitfalls. This oversight body should have legalised inter-ministerial authority and could take the form of a Governing Platform for National Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture. Agroecology should be mainstreamed into our food policy as it emphasises the development and application of integrated approaches that build on local knowledge and skills; stresses on the democratisation of agricultural research and development; supports diverse forms of coinquiry and co-management; promotes people-centred learning and action; and nourishes ecosystems while ensuring optimum productivity. It was further recommended that a mechanism for accountability should be included in policies and mechanisms to finance implementation of the policies given priority. Other recommendations include provision of better support for small scale farmers such as, better extension service, infrastructure, credit schemes and access to market. Stakeholders at the dialogue also examined the impact of (bio) technology on our food system and the role that biotechnology related policies play in delivering or hindering the attainment of an ideal food system in Nigeria and Africa. A presentation by Tom Wakeford of ETC Group on The Role of Technologies, Corporations and Agroecosystems in Shaping our Desired Future led to discussions centered on the 4 industrial revolution with elements including machine learning (artificial intelligence), remote sensing technologies, internet of things, synthetic biology, cell culture engineering, gene drives, etc. Concerns expressed about the technologies include, infringement on people’s rights, destruction of biodiversity and negative impacts on local economies especially on grassroots food producers. Participants recommended that independent researchers should step in to inform policy formulation that ensures science is deployed in the best interest of our people, health and environment. Another issue of concern which the stakeholders discussed was the Plant Variety Protection Bill which currently sits on the table of the Nigerian president waiting to be signed into law. According to the Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, “the bill aligns with the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), a patent driven system formulated without the participation of African countries and designed by countries where agriculture is a business rather than a way of life. “Nigeria needs an omnibus law that covers plants, animals, and fishes. Rather than approaching food in silos, promoting the interest of seed oligarchs and speculators, we should be looking at how to create spaces for the celebration of traditional ecological knowledge and technologies and at how to amplify our traditional diets and cuisine. We should look for ways to encourage research into these as a sure pathway to secure our food systems for now and for the future.” Nnimmo Bassey stated.

Prince of Princes. With a mighty crack and a cloud of smoke the first shot fired across the river in front of a historic palace and beside an iconic symbol of Britain. On the stroke of noon at the Tower of London a battery manned by the Honourable Artillery Company began a solemn Death Gun Salute in honour of the passing of a Prince. And for the next 40 minutes shots rang out across the UK and the Commonwealth as serving military personnel paid their tribute to a -wartime hero. Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip,The Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully in the morning of 9th April 2021 at Windsor Castle. An iconic figure. The Duke of Edinburgh,the Queen’s “strength and stay” for 73 years, has died aged 99.He was the longest serving consort in British history,and was only two months away from his 100th birthday in June. Queen’s husband Prince Philip will be remembered for his loyalty,sense of duty and his occasional politically incorrect comment. A statement from Buckingham Palace after his death said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.” Her Majesty The Queen has described the death of the Duke of Edinburgh as leaving “a huge void” in her life. Wife To Husband •A Befitting Epitaph For The Departing Prince Philip Mountbatten.”He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know”Queen Elizabeth 11. Prince Andrew has revealed saying it had brought home to him the loss suffered by so many during the coronavirus pandemic. The Duke of York said the Queen had “described his passing as a miracle”, thought to refer to the fact Prince Philip died peacefully at home with her and not alone in hospital under Covid regulations. According to The Countess of Wessex, “It was

right for him [Prince Philip]. It was so gentle. It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went. Very, very peaceful, and that’s all you want for somebody, isn’t it? I think it’s so much easier for the person that goes than for people that are left behind.”Princess Anne later issued a statement paying tribute: “My father has been my teacher, my supporter and my critic, but it is his example of a life well lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate. His ability to treat every person as an individual

in their own right with their own skills comes through all the organisations with which he was involved. His eldest son,Prince Charles in his most touching tribute. Spoken from the heart,without notes, a message of thanks and sadness, as the Prince of Wales remembered his “dear Papa”. For all of his years in the public eye, speaking on such personal matters hasn’t always come naturally to Prince Charles, but as he stepped out of his home at Highgrove he was stepping up as the patriarch of the family to share with the world their genuine “loss and our sorrow”. Prince Charles said: “My family and I miss my father enormously.”He was a much-loved and appreciated figure.” His grandson (and second in line to the throne) Prince William has said he will “support The Queen in the years ahead” in a tribute to his late grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh. Describing Prince Philip as “an extraordinary man”, William said he will “miss my Grandpa”. In a statement, he said: “My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service - to his country and Commonwealth, to his

wife and Queen, and to our family.”I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life - both through good times and the hardest days.”I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her. “I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!”My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Prince Philip had returned to Windsor Castle on 16 March to be reunited with the Queen after spending a month in hospital – his longest stay. He initially received care for an infection but then under went heart surgery for a pre-existing condition. Philip’s health had been slowly deteriorating for some time. He announced he was stepping down from royal engagements in May 2017, joking that he could no longer stand up. He made a final official public appearance later that year during a Royal Marines parade on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Since then, he has rarely been seen in public,spending most of his time on the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, though moving to be with her at Windsor Castle during the lockdown periods throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and where the couple quietly celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November 2020.The Duke was said to be in “good spirits”and looking forward to returning home to his family ahead of his 100th birthday celebrations in two months time. Thank you for your long, loyal and selfless service. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

By:Gbenga Teejay Okunlola London,UK

The woman breaking the job stereotype in Malindi

Vice Versa Global presents the first, and so far only, female boda-boda rider in Malindi: Anna Matheka. She has defied the odds stacked against her and is excelling in a field that is male dominated. She tells us how she is overcoming the gender stereotypes that she encounters in her line of work and what her eventual goal is. We met up with Anna Matheka at her usual parking stage, right in front of Malindi police station, on one of the busiest streets in the town. From a distance, it’s impossible to tell that there could be a woman rider among the many boda-boda riders at the parking lot. In her blue jeans, a heavy sweater, reflector jacket and a well fitted helmet on her head, the forty year old mother of four portrays a confident rider. This has earned her the trust of many clients on the route as a safe rider. The Journey A native of Kitui County in the Eastern part of Kenya, the single mother of four opted to head for the coastal town of Malindi in search of greener pastures. This was about 11 years ago. Known for its flourishing and booming tourism industry back then, many people would troop there in the hope of landing a lucrative and promising job. The high number of Italian tourists who frequented the town, with some opting to become permanent residents, earned the town its nickname of ‘Italian town’. Unfortunately for the single mother of 4, things didn’t actually turn out the way she had envisioned, going from bad to worse. “When I first settled here, I started a business which never took off. It eventually collapsed and I was forced to look into other hustles. I would go hungry with my children due to lack of food as I struggled to do manual labor as a construction worker,” she said. Surviving from hand to mouth with the little income she was getting from her work as a construction worker was quite the challenge. Over time, she developed an interest in learning how to ride a motorcycle with the hope of venturing into the boda-boda business one day. “I met a guy, a fellow Kamba who taught me how to ride. Since I wasn’t confident enough

to hit the main road, I’d only train in the back roads until I got good at it,” she said. Her passion and ambition motivated her to work extra hard, saving the little she could and within no time, she had saved enough to take herself to a driving school so that she would be able to acquire a valid driving license. Getting To the Road Even after obtaining her license, it still wouldn’t be a smooth ride for her. Being a woman, she faced a myriad of challenges. “I was certified with categories B, C and E that allows me to handle light vehicles and heavy trucks. With full knowledge of all the rules and regulations observed on the road, and armed

with my motorcycle, I finally hit the road. I experienced a lot of discrimination because of my gender. Some people would ask me how I would manage to carry passengers on the main roads because it’s always presumed that women are easily bullied on the roads. It was really difficult convincing clients to board my bike, but I would urge them to trust me and to give me a chance to prove myself. They would then be the judges after they had experienced it firsthand,” she told me. Her mantra has always been, strike the iron while it’s still hot. It only takes one ride for her to make the best impression and earn a customer’s trust. “A person would board, but from their facial expression, you could tell that they were uncomfortable with it. But once I got them safely to their destinations, they would immediately ask for my number and they’d call me whenever they needed to be transported,” she recalled with a smile on her face It was after this that she started reaping the fruits of being in ‘Little Italy’. “Many tourists were always amused on seeing me with my bike on the road. The amusement didn’t deter most of them from opting to have me carry them to their various destinations. It was quite a unique experience for them, to have a female boda-boda rider ferrying them around. They paid me very well too, a distance that for instance we’d normally charge Ksh.100, they would pay Ksh.500,” she recalls. The Breakthrough Her successful venture did not come easy. It has been 9 years since she began her boda-boda business and she admits that it’s been quite the learning experience. There are days when the job is easy and perfect, and then there are those days when it feels like you’re drilling on a rock. “I have learnt to encourage myself. Consistency and hard work always pays off. This job earns me a living and it has even enabled me to own a home,” she told me with a proud look on her face. As unbelievable as it might sound, she was actually able to purchase a piece of land using her own hard earned money from her bodaboda business. Located at a place called Migingo, some few kilometers from Malindi town, she already has a permanent house on it that is almost complete. Lest I forget, I felt really safe boarding her bike and her confidence on the road is amazing and unmatched. She has a word of encouragement for her fellow women. “Always pick yourself up whenever you fumble and fall. Dust yourself off and forge ahead for hurdles are there to keep us strong. Women can! Being widowed or divorced does not mean that life ends there. I have managed to take care of my children, take them to good schools and pay their fees single handedly. My first born is in form two and my second born is in form one, both of them in boarding schools.” Quite a milestone for a single mother! has really gone down which means that the money is really hard to come by.” The pandemic led to not only a decline in business, but the cost of living went through the roof. “There is price increase in almost everything, including the price of oil. It is hard to get by with the little income I get. I have to deal with an increase in oil price vis-à-vis the low number of customers, so there is less profit, and on some occasions, I get a loss.” Despite these hardships, she remains hopeful. She strongly believes she was meant for the road and it’s where she belongs. Her desire is to one day secure a trailer truck and become a long distance driver. “I look forward to upgrading from this motorcycle to a lorry. My driving license allows me drive even a trailer truck but I am currently on a motorbike because I’ve not yet gotten an opportunity to drive one. My ultimate goal is to get employed as a driver of those big machines,” she confessed. She has some advice for the women out there who are constantly stereotyped and made to believe that some jobs are only meant for a specific gender. “First of all what I believe in is that there is no such thing as ‘jobs for men’ or ‘jobs for women’. Women should commit themselves and work hard, paying no attention to the so called ‘gender roles’. There are also men out there who restrict their wives from doing certain jobs. I would kindly ask them to allow their women to work especially if they are capable of doing it,” she concluded.

Story & Pictures By Cynthia Omondi (Kenya)

With the introduction of lockdowns and curfews in Kenya, the number of customers greatly reduced. “I had anticipated, with the tourists coming in from December and others staying around until around April, that the income I would have generated from that period would have been incredible. With corona, which has resulted in lockdowns and travel restrictions, they can’t travel here. The result is that business