New York, U.S.A. — CNN, the worldwide leader in news, announced on October 8, the creation of CNN Films to secure feature-length documentaries for air on CNN and CNN International, alongside theatrical distribution. The move is part of a wider strategy to acquire original non-fiction content to complement CNN’s award-winning news programs; it was announced by CNN Worldwide Managing Editor Mark Whitaker.

‘Girl Rising’, the first documentary acquired by CNN Films, will air in spring 2013. The film, which inspired a global action campaign to promote girls’ education called 10×10, tells the extraordinary stories of several girls from around the globe fighting to overcome impossible odds to realize their dreams. The film includes voice performances by Academy Award Winner Meryl Streep, Academy Award Nominee Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington, and Selena Gomez.

‘Girl Rising’ is directed by Academy Award Nominee Richard E. Robbins (“Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience”) and executive produced by Tom Yellin and Holly Gordon of The Documentary Group and Paul G. Allen of Vulcan Productions.

CNN Films has also signed development deals with Academy Award Winning Director and Producer Alex Gibney (“Taxi to the Dark Side,” “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” and “Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer”) and Director Andrew Rossi (“Page One: Inside the New York Times”).  Both will develop original documentaries to air on CNN.

“CNN Films will bring distinguished, thought-provoking documentary programming to our global audiences on all our television, online, and mobile platforms,” said Whitaker. “We want these documentaries to tell compelling stories and stimulate important discussions across CNN’s other programs and websites.”

The original feature-length documentaries will examine an array of political, social, and economic subject matters. The films will premiere in primetime and will re-air in order to increase exposure. Surrounding the premiere of each documentary, acclaimed CNN programs will run dedicated programming that sheds light on the topics and issues discussed in each film. In-depth interviews, expert commentary, roundtable discussions, debates, and behind-the-scenes footage will be featured across all of CNN’s broadcast and online platforms.

Amy Entelis, senior vice president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, and Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide, will oversee the acquisition strategy of documentaries under the CNN Films banner. Malhotra will manage the day-to-day operation of CNN Films, and work directly with filmmakers to develop original projects.

CNN Films also plans to bring the documentaries beyond the small screen by developing strategic partnerships to leverage distribution opportunities at film festivals and in theaters.

To learn more about “Girl Rising” and to view the trailer, please visit: http://10x10act.org/presenting-girl-rising.

For more information on CNN, please visit www.cnnpressroom.com.

Image Courtesy of  arindambanerjee / Shutterstock.com

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Dr Duncan Clarke, Chairman & CEO, Global Pacific & Partners, says: “Our focus is on Shaping Africa’s Future, as Africa holds great commercial promise, its destiny to be unlocked by local and foreign investment, enhanced trade and development partnerships, along with competitive business strategies across its landscapes.”

“Africa is not poor, but poorly managed: It needs more growth and investment”

Dr Clarke continues: “The Forum will address leading-edge shifts in Africa’s evolving economies, critical investment and business concerns, and the Continent’s emerging role and strategic position within a highly competitive and rapidly globalising world.”

The 6th Annual Africa Economic Forum will bring together Africa’s leading industries, companies, state players, senior executives, and government officials to interface in a content-rich meeting, including players from countries outside Africa, and so connect fast-growth core industries inside and outside Africa’s economies.

Global Pacific & Partners is delighted to announce CNN International as the Exclusive International Broadcast Partner for the 2012 program.

The 6th Annual Africa Economic Forum will include the 13th Southern Africa Oil, Gas& Energy Conference, as three intensive break-away sessions. These will focus on oil/gas exploration/development both offshore and onshore, shale gas/oil resources, power projects, renewable energy and energy efficiency, downstream oil markets and Southern Africa’s future fuels mix.

The Conference features Keynote Ministerial Addresses from Hon Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade & Industry (South Africa) and Hon Elizabeth Dipuo Peters, Minister of Energy (South Africa).

In addition, the 5th Sub-Saharan Africa Business Briefing takes place one day prior the 6th Africa Economic Forum, on Monday 5th March 2012, with unique insights provided on the prospects, potential and future economic outlook for business and investment across the Continent. Presented by Dr Duncan Clarke, Chairman & CEO, Global Pacific & Partners, a leading economic strategist on Africa.

Dr Duncan Clarke has been an Advisor to African governments and oil companies while the Company runs the Continent’s largest annual oil and gas management meeting, the landmark Africa Oil Week, now in its 19th year, held in Cape Town.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldeconomicforum/

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