The Misconception of “Making It”: African Filmmakers at International Film Festivals and the Struggle for Recognition

I’m writing this in the thick of awards season film festival coverage, with Venice and Toronto now behind us. My experiences during this relentless whirlwind of events reminded me of a persistent problem.

The journey of African filmmakers through the labyrinth of major international film festivals is a route fraught with expectations and missed opportunities.

The excitement of having a film selected for a prestigious event is often tempered by the reality of the festival’s aftermath, where visibility and media engagement are critical yet elusive.

There appears to be a prevailing belief that acceptance into a major international film festival means you’ve essentially “made it.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In reality, festival placement is just the beginning of a crucial phase – one that demands strategic thinking, relentless promotion, and savvy media engagement.

There is a disconnect between African filmmakers and producers whose films are selected, and the international press covering these events. It’s a two-sided coin of frustration that needs to be addressed for the benefit of African cinema as a whole.

Last week, Akoroko Premium subscribers received an in-depth look at this conundrum from key industry perspectives. To receive the newsletter and more, subscribe at the link in the bio or https://akoroko.com/subscribe/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *