Is “Africa rising”? Are “African cinemas in a renaissance”?
I don’t know.
Based on current trends and the information available, it’s reasonable to make certain optimistic statements about the state and future of African cinemas, though with caution. Several positive trends, but it’s also important to recognize the challenges and uncertainties that remain.
“All we want are the facts, ma’am.”
(1) African cinemas in 2023:
– Increased international recognition amid a trend of filmmakers creating work that resonates both locally and globally.
– The growing influence of streaming platforms, notably Netflix and Amazon. Showmax stepping up due to competition.
– Increased diversity in genres, stories, and themes.
– Emerging talent recognition complemented by the rise of young filmmakers and the increased focus on training initiatives to address skill deficiency.
– Documentary filmmaking makes a statement.
– Gradual adaptation of technological advancements and innovations that make films and filmmaking tools more accessible. For example, a focus on mobile cinemas.
– Impact of women in filmmaking furthered by a focus on cultural representation that includes diverse perspectives.
– Challenges in funding and distribution remain, although are being addressed more intently in the private and public realms.
(2) Expectations for 2024 and beyond:
– Increased international co-productions and increased collaborations across African countries, as a pan-African cinema landscape begins to truly emerge.
– Streaming will continue to rise, likely led by Netflix. Paramount expected to launch on the continent in 2024. New platforms may emerge targeting the FAST (Free ad-supported streaming) and AVOD (Ad-supported video-on-demand) sectors.
– Anticipated broader exploration of underrepresented narratives and more risk-taking storytelling methods, including tech-driven ideas.
– Increased emphasis on film education and training, nurturing emerging talent, strengthened by new initiatives.
– Stronger international film festival presence.
– Growth of African film festivals globally, promoting African cinema to wider audiences.
– Rising global stars as more African actors and filmmakers gain more international attention.
– More government intervention by way of new policies that address challenges in funding and distribution. Also, focus on copyright laws and policies to protect African filmmakers and encourage investment.
– Sustainable financing models likely to include a focus on alternative funding sources and the adoption of hybrid distribution models.
– The African diaspora will increasingly play a role in promoting and influencing African cinema on the global stage.
(3) In the framework of “known knowns,” “known unknowns,” and “unknown unknowns” to understand the landscape:
“Known Knowns” are what we can predict with a reasonable degree of certainty based on current trends and data
– Continued growth in streaming and digital platforms.
– Increased international recognition and collaborations.
– Continued adoption and integration of new technologies notably nascent AI tools.
– The exploration of a broader range of genres and narratives, including those that have been historically underrepresented.
“Known Unknowns” are areas where we are aware of potential developments but cannot predict their exact nature or outcome
– While African cinemas are expanding globally, the exact nature of this integration into the global market and the impact of economic factors remain uncertain.
– We know that “content creation” will evolve, but the specifics of how cultural and social trends will influence this evolution are less clear.
– While there is an expectation of new talent emerging, the specific impact these filmmakers, who are just coming of age, will have on the industry’s direction is not yet fully known.
– It’s understood that there are infrastructural challenges, but how these will be addressed in different African countries is uncertain.
“Unknown Unknowns” are developments that are currently unforeseeable and could arise due to various factors including new technologies, unexpected global events, or sudden shifts in the cultural landscape
– Events such as pandemics, economic crises, or political upheavals can unexpectedly affect film industries in ways that are currently unforeseeable.
– Future technological innovations (AI for example) that are not currently on the radar could significantly impact filmmaking and distribution. But how?
– Changes in global or local audience preferences that are not currently anticipated could reshape the demand for certain types of “content.”
– The emergence of new forms of storytelling, influenced by yet-to-emerge technologies or cultural trends.
(4) To sustain the progress made in 2023 and begin to realize the full potential of African cinemas, what needs to happen:
– Robust financial support in all areas is essential, including increased investment from both local and international sources. This involves not only production funding but also support for education, training, distribution, and marketing.
– Building and improving film production infrastructure, such as studios and post-production facilities, is critical. This also includes training centers.
– Developing more efficient distribution networks, both within Africa and internationally, is crucial. Includes both traditional cinema distribution and digital platforms.
– Governments should enact supportive policies and legislation that foster the growth of local film industries via tax incentives, copyright laws, co-production treaties, etc.
– Strengthening intercontinental collaborations especially, but also with international filmmakers and studios.
– Embracing and experimenting with new technologies (albeit with some caution) and digital filmmaking techniques.
– Encouraging stories that reflect the vast diversity of the African continent and providing platforms for marginalized voices are important for cultural representation.
– Understanding and developing the audience base, both in Africa and globally, is key.
(5) In Conclusion…
While there is enough evidence to suggest that African cinemas are experiencing growth and a surge in global interest, it’s also important to acknowledge the challenges and complexities.
The future looks promising, but continued support, investment, and adaptation to market shifts will be absolutely crucial.
Ultimately, the exact trajectory, especially given the rapid changes in media consumption, remains uncertain.
I leave you with Lesley Lokko’s Africa as a “Laboratory of the Future” concept (in curating the BIENNALE ARCHITETTURA 2023):
“From the outset, it was clear that the essential gesture of ‘The Laboratory of the Future’ would be ‘change’ […] For the first time ever, the spotlight has fallen on Africa and the African Diaspora; that fluid and enmeshed culture of people of African descent that now straddles the globe. What do we wish to say? How will what we say change anything? And, perhaps most importantly of all, how will what we say interact with and infuse what ‘others’ say, so that the exhibition is not a single story, but multiple stories that reflect the vexing, gorgeous kaleidoscope of ideas, contexts, aspirations, and meanings that is every voice responding to the issues of its time?”
Happy Holidays… are optional… if you are into that sort of thing.
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