The Next Narrative Africa Fund has opened its first public call for submissions. Initially announced in September 2024 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the $40 million hybrid fund combines grantmaking and equity financing for African and African-diaspora film and television projects. Brass Tacks – 20K–100K USD per project– 6 to 10 […]
Category: The Latest
African Film, TV, Digital Media Sector Assessment for the First Half of 2025: Activity Is Rising, But the Ground Is Still Shifting
Halfway through 2025, African screen ecosystems have seen more activity than ever, but much of the core infrastructure is still under strain. For the first six months of 2025: 📌 Institutional activity rose: national film funds, co-production agreements, new platforms, early data transparency📌 Major global players expanded their reach across African markets, but without local […]
SICA 2025, Day 1: ORUN Studios Debut, Guinea-Bissau Accord, International Participation
Day 1 of SICA 2025—the three-day state-backed African content market in Abidjan—is in the books, opening with three clear moves: 📌 ORUN Studios launched with a cross-platform IP model📌 Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau signed an audiovisual agreement📌 International guests (U.S., Japan, France) added visibility and weight📌 AI, animation, and regional deals dominated early conversations Akoroko […]
The Nigeria–Brazil Cinema Link Ola Balogun Built
When Nigeria and Brazil signed their first audiovisual co-production treaty last week, I couldn’t help but recall the films of Ola Balogun, which were co-produced decades before any such agreement existed. 🎬 In 1978, Balogun directed “Black Goddess” (“A Deusa Negra”), shot in Brazil and Nigeria, with support from the former’s national film body📽️ Two […]
History Is Returning: The Benin Bronzes and the Stories Still to Come
From June 19 through June 20, I followed local and regional reports on the arrival of 119 Benin Bronzes in Nigeria, returned from the Netherlands and now in the hands of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Royal Court of Benin. The images, footage, statements, and ceremonial remarks have made clear that this […]
SICA 2025: Côte d’Ivoire Audiovisual Market Scales Up, and Starts Letting Go
SICA 2025 is underway. Côte d’Ivoire’s fast-growing audiovisual market is scaling up → Akoroko is tracking on the ground. From international buyers to new co-pro models, this year’s edition may be a turning point: What this could mean for Francophone Africa’s creative future. Analysis and insights available to Premium subscribers: https://akoroko.com/localpricing/ Localized pricing live in […]
Inside Africa’s First Short Film Market
On October 23, 2025, a new film market will open in Lagos, Nigeria, one of the busiest media production zones on the African continent. Known globally for its high output but limited formal infrastructure, Lagos anchors Nollywood’s production economy, with concentrated labor activity and most of the country’s theatrical screens. Despite its local and pan-African […]
Nigeria–Brazil Sign First Co-Production Treaty: What It Means and What’s Next
Nigeria signs its first-ever co-production treaty. Brazil is the partner. What it allows, and what still needs to happen. Akoroko dives into the details with analysis and insights: 📌 Not Nigeria’s first co-production agreement—first treaty-level pact📌 Treaty signed June 24 in Abuja—covers film, TV, animation, digital📌 Projects can now qualify as “national productions” in both […]
Netflix, CANAL+, and Now TF1: What This Web of Deals Could Mean for African Screens
TF1 enters the chat, joining Netflix and CANAL+ in extending their reach across Africa while consolidating abroad: Netflix now carries TF1 in France. TF1+ (TF1’s streaming platform) launches across 22 African countries this month. CANAL+ will bundle Netflix in 24 countries across Africa. CANAL+ is finalizing its acquisition of MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator. Meanwhile, […]
Weekly Wrap-Up: June 16–22, 2025
Akoroko Premium subscribers received 8 newsletter dispatches this week, covering film education, streaming, tech, archives, and one very unusual space mission. 📌 Film Education in Africa: What Exists, What’s Taught, What’s Left Out📌 Gabon Launches Its First Streaming Platform: La 1 Gabonaise📌 HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Tribeca Review): A Fictionalized Look Inside Cairo’s Informal Child Labor Economy📌 […]