African cinema, with its roots stretching back to the early 20th century, has traditionally operated within the confines of local markets. The film industry was for decades a global endeavour. However, the late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a gradual integration of African narratives into the global film industries.
Recent collaborations between African and international filmmakers have become increasingly prevalent, leading to a rich well of innovative and boundary-pushing productions. This advantageous trend is catalyzed by both technological advancements and a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
According to UNESCO, the African film industry is a significant economic driver, creating over 20 million jobs and contributing approximately US$ 20 billion to the continent’s GDP. However, Africa faces challenges such as weak government incentives, limited regional co-production potential, and substantial revenue losses due to piracy.
The 2021 African Film Industry Report by UNESCO reveals a striking contrast in the global creative economy. While Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) contribute approximately US$2.25 trillion annually—accounting for 3% of global GDP and employing 30 million people worldwide—Africa and the Middle East together represent only about 3% of this trade, translating to US$58 billion.
This discrepancy highlights a significant opportunity for African countries. With their rich cultural heritage and dynamic creative sectors, there is considerable potential for African nations to boost their economic diversification and amplify their global cultural presence. These recent investments in cinema infrastructure and a growing interest in the cultural sector offer some optimism for future growth.
On the 20th anniversary of UNESCO’s Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the need for strengthened international cooperation to enhance the cultural and creative industries worldwide.
Key Drivers of African-international Film Collaborations
The rise of digital platforms has significantly enhanced cross-border film exchanges. While some companies, like Amazon Prime Video, struggled in the African market due to a lack of insight into local tastes, major streaming services such as Netflix and Showmax have effectively opened doors for African films and co-productions, enabling them to reach global audiences. This shift is evident from the African Film Market’s report, which indicates a 30% increase in African film distribution deals in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Successful collaborations like “Beasts of No Nation” and “Queen of Katwe” underscore the potential of these partnerships to produce films that are both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. For instance, the joint effort between Nigerian filmmaker Biyi Bandele and British producer Andrea Calderwood on “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2013) exemplifies the success of cross-continental projects, earning accolades at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Geographically, the film industry across Africa reveals varied patterns of production and collaboration. Western Africa, led by Nollywood and other low-budget productions, is the continent’s top producer of films. This region ranks second in both cinema screens and private television channels, with increase in TV series within the local market.
Central Africa, on the other hand, relies heavily on international co-productions, especially with European partners, and is known for its auteur films. It ranks fifth in film production and cinema screens on the continent and third in private television channels.
Eastern Africa leads in the number of private television channels and ranks second in annual film production, thanks largely to low-budget filmmaking in Kenya and Ethiopia. The region is seeing growth in local TV series production and has a strong film infrastructure, especially in Kenya and Mauritius.
Northern Africa stands out for its solid film infrastructure and significant film production, ranking third in both film production and cinema screens on the continent. Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia offer prime locations for foreign film shoots.
In Southern Africa, the region leads in the number of cinema screens and ranks fourth in film production and private television channels. South Africa and Namibia, in particular, have developed a robust film infrastructure and a burgeoning low-budget film industry, further enhancing the region’s film landscape.
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Benefits of Collaboration
Financial Investment: International co-productions often bring significant financial resources to African film projects, enabling filmmakers to access larger budgets and higher production values.
Technical Expertise: Collaborations offer opportunities for African filmmakers to learn from experienced international crews and access state-of-the-art technology.
Global Audience: Partnering with international filmmakers can help African films reach a wider global audience, increasing their commercial potential.
Cultural Exchange: Collaborative projects promote cultural exchange and understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation for African stories and perspectives.
The Future of African Cinema
The growing trend of African-international film collaborations is a promising sign for the future of African cinema. By leveraging the strengths of both continents, filmmakers can create powerful and impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to nurture these partnerships and create an ecosystem that supports the growth of African filmmaking.
