The highly anticipated second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) began on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. The event, organized by Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA), runs under the theme “Is Cinema Relevant in African Communities” and will span three days, concluding on Thursday, October 10.
This year’s summit has attracted attention from a broad spectrum of industry players, both from the African continent and the diaspora. Headlining the event is renowned British actor and Chairman of IE7 & The Akuna Group, Idris Elba. His presence adds star power and gravitas to the summit, as he continues his work to promote African cinema on the global stage.
Joining Idris Elba on the opening day were Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts, and Culture, Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, alongside his Deputy, Mark Okraku Mantey. The summit has also drawn participation from key industry stakeholders across Africa, representing countries like Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola. These representatives have come together to discuss the future of African cinema and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration within the industry.
In addition to the African stakeholders, the event is attracting executives from the African diaspora as well as representatives from prominent investment bodies, including Afreximbank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Their involvement signals a growing interest in the economic potential of African cinema, with discussions expected to center on sustainable funding and investment opportunities in the industry.
The summit’s activities were masterfully moderated by Apiorkor Seyram, a well-respected media personality and poet known for her eloquence and versatility. Apiorkor, who is affiliated with Citi FM and Channel One TV, brought her signature energy and insight to the discussions, ensuring that the summit’s objectives of fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within African cinema were clearly articulated.
To officially open the summit, the CEO of the National Film Authority, Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, delivered an inspiring keynote address. In her speech, Asante emphasized the significance of cinema as a cultural and economic tool for African communities. She also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between filmmakers, government bodies, and investors to help propel the industry forward and make African cinema more visible on the global stage.
The keynote speech set the tone for a series of discussions that will take place over the course of the summit, with participants looking to address both the challenges and opportunities facing the African cinema industry. The event also provides a platform for filmmakers and producers to engage with potential investors and distributors, creating opportunities for new partnerships that could lead to the production and distribution of more African films globally.
As the event continues, Tuesday, October 8th, promises to be another significant day for the summit, with the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, set to grace the event as the Guest of Honor. His attendance highlights the cultural importance of the summit and its connection to the rich heritage of Ghana and the broader African continent. The King’s presence is expected to underscore the role of cinema in preserving and promoting African culture, while also contributing to the economic development of the region.
The Africa Cinema Summit is not just about celebrating African cinema but also about creating a blueprint for its future growth. With the involvement of global icons like Idris Elba and the support of influential figures like Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer and Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the summit is poised to make a lasting impact on the African film industry. The discussions and collaborations taking place during these three days could shape the future of cinema on the continent, ensuring that African stories are told, shared, and celebrated both locally and internationally.
As the summit continues, participants will delve into critical issues affecting the African cinema landscape, including funding challenges, distribution barriers, and the need for stronger infrastructure to support film production. There will also be a focus on the role of digital platforms in expanding the reach of African films, as streaming services continue to grow in popularity across the continent and beyond.
With its focus on collaboration and innovation, the Africa Cinema Summit aims to inspire a new generation of African filmmakers and industry leaders. The event serves as a reminder that African cinema has the potential to become a major player on the global stage, contributing not only to cultural exchange but also to economic growth.
As the second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit unfolds, the hope is that the conversations and partnerships forged during the event will lead to concrete actions that will elevate the African film industry to new heights. With the backing of key stakeholders, both from within Africa and the diaspora, the future of African cinema looks bright.
By the time the summit concludes on Thursday, October 10, it is expected that the groundwork will have been laid for more collaborative projects, greater investment in African cinema, and a stronger network of filmmakers and industry professionals who are committed to telling African stories in a way that resonates with audiences both on the continent and around the world.
