There’s an undeniable buzz around African creativity right now. This increased attention brings with it a surge of activity and a flood of announcements that promise to “reshape,” “revolutionize,” or “redefine” the landscape of African filmmaking.
Each announcement claims to be more “groundbreaking” than the last; each promises to be the key that will unlock the vast potential of “African cinema.”
As I sift through this daily deluge of information, I’m struck by a growing sense of unease. The “noise” is becoming deafening, and I think it will only worsen, drowning out meaningful discourse and obscuring the real challenges and opportunities in filmmaking across Africa.
For most countries on the continent, the reality of filmmaking is far removed from the grandiose narratives that dominate the discourse.
The fragmentation isn’t just a challenge – it’s the defining characteristic of filmmaking across Africa. Yet, in all the “noise,” this crucial fact often gets lost.
In October, Akoroko Premium subscribers received my in-depth reflections on what I’ve termed the “Noise Dilemma,” analyzing the realities of filmmaking across Africa’s uneven landscapes, while advocating for more genuine, meaningful, and nuanced discourse as vital to any evolution!
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