Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Lee Satterfield, is set to attend the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia from October 17 to 20, 2024. During her visit, she will deliver remarks and engage with industry leaders to highlight film as a diplomatic tool and an economic driver.
Satterfield will present the festival's inaugural Film Diplomacy award to British Ambassador Karen Pierce. The award recognizes Pierce's commitment to the film industry and the power of film in fostering global understanding and supporting the creative economy.
Additionally, Satterfield will host a delegation of filmmakers from Nigeria and Kenya as part of the American Film Showcase. This program connects international filmmakers with American film industry leaders. The delegation will feature in 'A Conversation with African Filmmakers' on October 20, focusing on storytelling's significance, Africa's growing film industry, and its impact on various economies.
These efforts align with President Biden’s commitment at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to collaborate with African nations as equal partners. The United States continues cultural diplomacy initiatives to expand education access and economic opportunities through programs like Global Media Makers and the Africa Creative TV initiative (ACTV). ACTV works closely with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts to develop African TV writers, producers, and crew professionals.
For more information, contact ECA-Press@state.gov
