The film director helping to put an end to malaria for good
Nigerian film director Meji Alabi wants to inspire young people to be the generation to end malaria through film.
As a globally renowned music video director, Meji Alabi has been a creative force behind many iconic music videos, working with Africa's top artists past and present.
As a Nigerian, he also knows that malaria can destroy and take lives.
"I definitely wanted to be involved in this campaign because being Nigerian I’ve had a lot of family, a lot of friends, and people close to me that have passed due to malaria. This is something that is avoidable. We really shouldn’t have people dying from malaria today."
For the Draw The Line Against Malaria launch film Meji wanted to take a bold, fresh approach to talking about the world’s oldest disease.
Meji is also helping to positively change the narrative on Africa and to showcase the inimitable talent and energy emanating out of the continent including the rising influence of African fashion, art, culture and music.
"Shooting in Lagos is fun, it’s exciting, it’s loud and alive. The same energy the city has is the same energy every shot comes with. There’s a lot of freedom in terms of what you can capture, there’s incredible texture and colour everywhere you look. So shooting in Lagos is always a beautiful thing."
Meji is inspired by the voices who are taking part in the Zero Malaria movement - young people who are fighting for the futures of children from across the continent.
"A child dies from malaria every two minutes. So we really wanted to push the youth-led narrative for this film. We wanted to show the young people who are going to be the generation that ends malaria. In the film we try to channel a lot of youthful energy. It’s a new, vibrant approach and we channel that bold attitude into every fiber of the film."
He hopes the campaign encourages more young people to come together and encourage their leaders to take stronger action and create a malaria-free world.
"I hope the youth take away a feeling of empowerment, a feeling of not being afraid of malaria anymore. And I hope that it does make world leaders push towards zero malaria. Because we shouldn't be having this problem any more."
Malaria, we are coming for you. We won't let you hold us back any more. Join the Zero Malaria Starts With Me movement and Draw The Line Against Malaria today.
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