In this article, we will look at recent film industry developments across various parts of Africa. As well as how the UK has responded to this rise, and how it impacts both audiences and filmmakers.

Africa’s Film Boom

Over the past few decades, the film industries of various African countries have become more prominent. Both locally and on the world stage. Nigeria is recognised as being one of the world’s biggest film industries. With reports saying production numbers are around 2500 films a year. Senegal has seen a revival in international cinematic attention thanks to the work of filmmakers like Mati Diop. Ghana is seeing around 600 films completed each year. Other countries, like South Africa, have thriving film production sectors, while Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and more have their own unique cinematic footprint. Producing hundreds of local films a year. UNESCO said in 2022 that filmmaking accounts for around $5 billion of GDP across the continent.

The cinema of various African countries has also been prominently spotlighted to English-speaking audiences, thanks to things like Netflix’s investment in and distribution of films from across the continent, high-profile companies like A24 providing distribution deals for certain releases and big film festivals giving space for the work of African filmmakers from various countries. So with so many films being made and so much attention being paid to the continent’s films, why is it still hard for UK audiences to see them?

The UK & African Film

Around 2.9% of the UK population identifies as African in some way. International cinema has also continued to prove itself at the UK box office in recent years. It therefore seems odd that more stories made by various African countries are not widely screened across the country. Additionally, although films made across Africa have a presence on UK streaming sites, the selection is often limited. Popular services like BBC iPlayer, All4 and ITVX either make titles hard to find or have little to no titles at all. 

Critics have noted that the reason for this is the entrenched racism of Western film industries. As seen in the UK, this can manifest in many ways. Some distributors won’t show films produced in Africa at all, whether conscious or not, the result is the same. Exhibitors can also limit screenings of African films to only a few titles. Contributing to a flattened image of Africa rather than showcasing the continent’s diversity. Additionally, many distributors often select films that play well to a global audience to maximise profit. Meaning cultural specificity is lost. This can also result in filmmakers reducing a film’s cultural identity to appeal to distributors.

All this results in a limited number of films made throughout Africa reaching potential audiences in the UK. This leads to African filmmakers and diaspora audiences being isolated from the industry, with filmmakers not allowed to assert their identity as part of the global community, and diaspora audiences are unable to connect with stories related to their culture and history. To say nothing of the harm that can arise when cultures are misunderstood and misrepresented.

More Must Be Done 

Considering that, according to people like Carmen Thompson of Aya Films, “the demand is definitely there and the content is being made,” more needs to be done to pressure distributors and exhibitors to show films made in Africa to diaspora audiences in the UK.

However, if this era of rising awareness has taught us anything, it’s that media corporations and UK exhibition structures can’t be trusted to make this change on their own. To ensure fairer showcasing of films made in Africa, cooperation rather than profit needs to be the central motivating factor. Many community-led initiatives have been bringing films from Africa to the diaspora and beyond for years. Support for these initiatives and new ones that prioritise the development and distribution of African films must be intensified to showcase the reach these films have. At the same time, power must be kept with the filmmakers to allow their stories to be told how they want.

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About Once Upon A Time In Uganda

A wild documentary that takes you into the heart of the action-packed filmmaking town, lovingly known as Wakaliwood. Set in the heart of Uganda, two unlikely friends, brick-maker Isaac and film nerd Alan, unite over their shared love of Chuck Norris and gonzo 80’s action flicks. With sheer determination and an outrageous sense of humour, they team up to create their own explosive movies, catapulting Wakaliwood to international stardom and bringing laughter and joy to millions.

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The post Documentary “Once Upon A Time In Uganda” To Be Released In Odeon Cinemas September appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

In particular, Pan-African film festivals have played a key role in promoting African and diasporic cinema to global audiences. Let’s look at a few Pan-African film festivals around the world and their impact;

Film Africa – London, England

Film Africa is the biggest Pan-African film festival in London and one of the leading film festivals in England at large. Established in 2011 and run by the Royal African Society, it is one of the key stages for celebrating African cinema in the United Kingdom. It offers a platform for filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora to present their work to a global audience. The 2022 instalment showcased 48 films both in cinemas and online, from 16 African countries and around the diaspora.

On top of screenings, the festival includes events like workshops, masterclasses and Q&As with different directors. The Film Africa Festival also facilitates the Baobab Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. The awards feature cash prizes which encourage new voices in African cinema to take the stage. This is a biennial festival and its next instalment can be expected in 2024.

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) – Los Angeles, USA

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the famed the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF). Established in Los Angeles in 1992, PAFF is the biggest black film and Arts Festival in the United States. Started by Danny Glover, Ayuko Babu and the late Ja’Net DuBois, this festival has become a favourite of the African American community. Every year it showcases a staggering 200 films from Africa and the diaspora. Like most contemporary film festivals, it has a mix of physical and virtual screenings to cope with changes since the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to popular demand this year, there was a virtual encore screening several weeks after the festival ended.

The festival is not limited to only film. It also features showcases by talented black artists and craftspeople. PAFF is also known for its star-studded red carpets, workshops and panels with top film industry professionals. The festival is typically held in February so we can look forward to its next instalment next year.

Pan-African Film & TV Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

We cannot talk about Pan-African film festivals without going to Africa itself. We cannot go to Africa without mentioning the Pan-African Film & TV Festival of Ouagadougou, more commonly known as FESPACO, the acronym for its French translation. This biennial festival is the largest in Africa and was established in 1969. It has been kept running despite years of political instability and military violence. The Burkina Faso government specifically ramped up security for this year’s edition which took place from February to March. The fact that it has endured all odds exemplifies the strength of African filmmakers.

The unique aspect of this festival is that it only showcases works by Africans. Every two years, it attracts the big and small of the African film industry. More than the fame and prizes, the festival brings together Africans in Africa to enjoy the work of our own hands. FESPACO especially champions work of the youth and women, with about half of this year’s submissions being directed by women.

Keep in Mind,

These are only a drop in the bucket of Pan-African film festivals. Whether you are on the continent or in the diaspora, take advantage of the festivals near you to enjoy African cinema. With many offering virtual screenings, talks and workshops, you can attend wherever you are.

Also Read: The Rise Of Nigerian-British Filmmakers

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

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