Accra, Ghana – The National Film Authority (NFA) of Ghana, in partnership with African Leadership Magazine, is thrilled to announce the first-ever Africa Cinema Summit, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, November 14, to Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the prestigious Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana. This landmark event falls within the broader agenda and objectives of the NFA to highlight opportunities for cinematic growth and the crucial roles of industry players.
The Africa Cinema Summit will serve as a platform for stakeholders in the global film industry value chain to engage in meaningful discussions, identify challenges, and explore the vast potential and opportunities in the African cinema space. The summit’s central focus revolves around two core pillars: the production of more local content and the expansion of cinema screens across Africa.
Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority and convener of the summit, emphasised the pan-African approach of the event, stating that it would have a significant impact on the African cinema industry. She passionately stated, “Africans are storytellers and story lovers, and if we don’t find a way to get the largest youth population into the cinemas, Africa will not be the only loser; major businesses may collapse, and a great culture of going to the cinema may be lost to the world forever, depriving us of the magic of cinema.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, a 2020 UNESCO Report on African Cinema revealed that Africa has only 1,700 cinemas to serve a population of over 1.3 billion, translating to just one cinema screen per 787,402 people. This makes Africa the most underserved continent in terms of movie theaters. The Africa Cinema Summit aims to address these challenges and explore strategies to enhance the industry.
The two-day event boasts a rich programme, including a cocktail and networking session, film screenings, conferences, exhibitions, an awards night, and studio presentations. Dr.Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, will be the special guest, and a distinguished lineup of speakers includes industry luminaries such as Juliet Asante, Moses Babatope, Funmi Onuma, John Schreiner, Kene Okwuosa, Marie Lora-Mungai, Daniel Damah, Ope Ajayi, Motheo Matsau, Rob Arthur, Chinazo Onuzo, Jotham Micah, Oliver Dock, Khalil Staily. and the Publisher of the African Leadership Magazine, Dr. Ken Giami.
The African Leadership Magazine (ALM) is offering its full support to the summit, affirming its commitment to push the Brand Ghana agenda. The Chairman and Publisher of the United Kingdom based organization, Dr. Ken Giami. stressed the importance of film as a powerful channel for telling the African story and changing perceptions, especially among the youth and the continent leadership. He said story telling is a vital part of the African continent that cannot be left to outsiders to tell, adding the summations of the Summit aligns with the vision of the ALM which is to promote African Dignity Globally.
“Film appeals universally and transcends boundaries. It is a good platform for the international community to value Africa since the market is appreciative of African themes in fashion, films, and other units of the creative industry.”
As Ghana strives to be at the forefront of the global film industry, the NFA, in partnership with African Leadership Magazine, cordially invites all stakeholders, including government officials, film authorities, commissions, and enthusiasts from across the world, to join us in Accra for the Africa Cinema Summit.
About the National Film Authority:
The National Film Authority (NFA) is a government body established under Act 935 to regulate and streamline the film ecosystem in Ghana. The NFA is committed to working with stakeholders to position Ghana as a progressive nation, promoting high-quality film productions on the global stage.
About African Leadership Magazine,UK (ALM)
African Leadership Magazine, UK, is a publication that focuses on promoting Africa and telling the African story from an African perspective. It aims to bring the best of Africa to a global audience and evolve solutions for the continent. The magazine is published by African Leadership (UK) Limited. For more information go to the website; www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk.
Address: Portsmouth Technopole Kingston Crescent Portsmouth Hampshire Portsmouth PO2, 8FA, Portsmouth PO2 8FA, United Kingdom
King Richard is the Head of Editorial and Content Development at African Leadership Magazine, UK, and can be reached at king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk.
