Africa Cinema Summit 2024 ends with a vision for transforming African storytelling
The Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) 2024 concluded successfully, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and cultural advocates to explore how cinema can shape African narratives and promote social change.
The three-day summit, held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, showcased the transformative potential of African cinema.
Organised under the theme “The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities,” the summit commenced on Monday, October 7, 2024, with a series of inspiring keynotes, film premieres, and strategic discussions.
A key moment was the premiere of The Uprising – Wives on Strike 3, a film that used humor to address pressing social issues.
Speaking at the summit, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Film Authority of Ghana, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, advocated for reviving cinema in African communities.
She pointed out that 90 per cent of Africans have never experienced a film on the big screen and encouraged industry leaders to engage the youth in creating content across multiple platforms, including film and gaming.
The summit also featured a fireside chat with Nigerian actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, who shared insights into her journey in African cinema.
She stressed the irreplaceable emotional experience of watching films in theaters, emphasising how cinema helps preserve African storytelling traditions.
Industry heavyweights like Kene Mkparu, CEO of Komworld Limited, and actor Idris Elba shared their visions for the future of African cinema.
Mkparu announced plans to build Africa’s largest cinema complex, while Elba urged filmmakers to stay true to their roots and tell authentic African stories.
The second day of the summit focused on local content production and investment in African cinema.
It began with cultural ceremonies and keynote addresses, including one by Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer who highlighted cinema’s role in both preserving cultural heritage and driving economic growth.
Panel discussions throughout the day delved into the structural needs of African cinema, from designing modern cinema spaces to creating platforms that nurture African filmmakers.
One session, “Cinema Architecture for Africa’s Youth,” discussed designing spaces that appeal to the continent’s young, tech-savvy population.
Another session, “The Role of the Media in Telling the African Story,” emphasised the importance of African media in shaping global perceptions of the continent’s narratives.
Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan hosted a fireside conversation on the business side of filmmaking, sharing strategies on how African filmmakers can succeed in the global market by balancing creativity with sound business practices.
The final day of the summit, October 9, celebrated the progress of African cinema and honoured leading figures with Special Recognition Awards.
Filmmakers and industry pioneers such as Abdul Salam Mumuni, Kunle Afolayan, and Ben Bruce were recognised for their contributions to the industry.
The day’s discussions centered on local content and distribution.
Panels like “Projecting Local Language Films on the Big Screen” highlighted the importance of promoting films in indigenous languages to broaden cinema’s reach.
Another session, “Bridging the Gap – Successful Strategies for Film Distribution and Theatrical Release,” explored practical solutions to the distribution challenges faced by African filmmakers.
Later in the day, experts analysed cinema revenue models during a session titled “Waterfall of Cinema Revenue.”
They discussed diverse revenue streams and innovative strategies to maximise profits in the digital age, stressing the need for creative approaches to support the growing film industry.