In the absence of new African film industry developments worthy of discussion over the last couple of weeks, Akoroko Premium subscribers have received deep dives into various elements of industry, history, and specific films.
This was dispatched last week…
What is a “Film Industry” in the African Context?
As a journalist focused on the African film and television landscape, I often pause when referring to an African country’s “film industry.” In these moments, I attempt to come up with a more realistically descriptive term.
“Film industry,” the most commonly used, doesn’t always accurately capture the reality in most African countries, even those considered relatively advanced in this specific area.
I experiment with alternatives like “film sector,” “screen sector,” “film ecosystem,” or “cinema ecosystem.” Yet, these variations essentially convey the same concept, and I invariably return to “film industry.”
This tension raises what I think are important questions: What do these terms truly mean, and should we be concerned about their usage, specifically from an African perspective?
What does a “film industry” look like?
This linguistic and conceptual challenge prompted a deeper exploration into what constitutes a “film industry” in the African context.
To understand this, I came up with a list of criteria typically associated with established film industries globally and how these apply to African countries, considering the continent’s unique challenges, progress, and potential.
I also included a case study, provided cultural context, and suggested a reframing…
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