Cinema Nights Profiles Edition 1 | African Month Special 1. Lupita Nyong’o Actor | Producer | Storyteller Born in Mexico to Kenyan parents and raised in Nairobi, Lupita Nyong’o brought African resilience to the global stage with her Oscar-winning role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave, 2013. Her portrayal captured the raw endurance and dignity of enslaved Africans — a story rooted in our continent’s history, even as it unfolded abroad. For African Month, Lupita reminds us why reclaiming and telling our stories matters. Why she matters: She opened doors for African talent in Hollywood while staying deeply connected to her Kenyan roots. Watch: 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther, Us 2. Idris Elba Actor | Director | Musician British-Sierra Leonean Idris Elba stepped into the shoes of Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, 2013, delivering a performance that honored Madiba’s patience, strength, and vision for a united South Africa. Elba consistently uses his platform to spotlight African and diaspora stories, from Beasts of No Nation to producing African music and film projects. Why he matters: He embodies the global African voice — bridging continents through craft and advocacy. Watch: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Beasts of No Nation, Luther Join us this Friday on Cinema Nights as we dive deeper into their work and what it means for African storytelling today. Find more behind the scenes of the stars on http://Glotv.home.vimeo #CinemaNightsProfiles #AfricanMonth #AfricanStorytelling