The highly anticipated Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) 2024 has begun in Accra, Ghana, running from October 7-10, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.
Hosted by the National Film Authority (NFA) under the patronage of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, this year’s summit focuses on “Growth in Quality of Local Content Production and Consumption; Driving the Case for Increased Investment”.
Key Highlights of the Summit
Special Guest of Honour_: Idris Elba, renowned actor and chairman of IE7 and The Akuna Group, during a chart by the fireside alongside the summit on day 1, shared his insights and expertise with attendees.
Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NFA, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the importance of promoting local content production and consumption.
And so let’s dream.. and why not? Let’s imagine our leaders, investors, and diaspora communities putting money into this sector. Let’s Imagine us making quality films, animation and games, for our people on the continent, over a billion people. Let’s imagine our stories, way before our colonial times
being told. This is why I must give special recognition to filmmakers like Kunle Afolayan, who continues to dare and inspire others to tell our stories in pre-colonial times. To him and the many others like him, thank you for reminding us that we existed long before mental slavery took such roots!
Furthermore, NFA’s CEO who doubles as the convenor of the second edition of ACS noted that a strong cinema network will mean that a film released in Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco or Angola can reach all of our people. In America, some major films can reach more than 30%% of the population.
“Imagine if a filmmaker in Africa can reach even 10% of Africans; that’s over 750 million dollars right there”, she noted.
Let’s not just imagine, let’s make it happen. According to NFA’s CEO, the focus of the summit this year is the growth of quality local content and reimagining cinema for Africa’s mass market.
Let’s ask ourselves, “how do we attract our people to love our content and watch them? How do we get the content to them in their communities on the big screen? How do we make games and animation for our children to love and watch”, she quizzed,
And as I pull on the words of the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ‘both the cinema World and Africa, need each other We send a clear message to the world and the world of cinema stakeholders globally…
Africa in less than 10 years, will have 50% of global consumption power. The young eyeballs you need to watch your films will be in Africa. It will, therefore, serve you well to pay attention and invest here. For we are taking charge of our future with open arms to welcome the world to our continent and on
Our terms.
Delivering a keynote address at the 2nd edition of Africa Cinema Summit 2024,
Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasized the significance of cinema in African communities, citing its role in community building, cultural preservation, and economic development. African cinema, he noted, allows the continent to reclaim its narrative, challenging negative stereotypes and showcasing its diversity, creativity, and innovation.
Accordingly, Mr Mercer indicated cinema’s impact extends beyond entertainment, driving social change by addressing pressing issues like poverty, inequality, and gender discrimination. “The film industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector providing employment and attracting international investments”, he added.
Mr Mercer highlighted Ghana’s commitment to growing the creative arts, particularly cinema, and announced plans to position Ghana as a hub for African cinema. He emphasized the need for increased distribution, exposure, and partnerships to expand African films’ global reach.
The sector Minister stressed the importance of supporting local productions, protecting intellectual property, and building infrastructure to strengthen African film industries. He concluded by urging filmmakers, producers, investors, and government officials to recognize their responsibility in shaping the future of African cinema and its impact on communities.
In an address read on his behalf,Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Manste and President of the Ga Traditional Council, emphasized the significance of African cinema in today’s global landscape. He highlighted cinema’s role in preserving African heritage, challenging external narratives, and showcasing diversity.
Storytelling, a timeless African tradition,
has evolved through cinema, allowing
Africans to share their experiences, history,
and culture with the world. The African film
industry has become a powerful economic
driver, with Nollywood in Nigeria being a
prime example.
Also the traditional ruler hinted the Africa Cinema Summit provides a platform for collaboration, partnerships, and unlocking economic potential. Nii Teiko Tsuru
Il stressed the importance of investing
in film schools, infrastructure, and
distribution channels to ensure African
cinema’s sustainability.
He concluded by emphasizing cinema’s
role in cultural preservation, education,
and social transformation. As Ga Manste,
he pledged support for cinema’s growth
in Accra, encouraging filmmakers to push
boundaries.
Networking Opportunities
The summit brings together cinema exhibitors, builders, investors, industry leaders, filmmakers, producers, distributors, studios, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent and globe.
Aims and Objectives
The Africa Cinema Summit 2024 aims to consolidate progress made in the African cinema industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. Discussions will centre around reimagining and rethinking cinema for Africa’s mass market segment. With less than 2,000 cinema screens catering to over 1.4 billion people, and less than 20% of the population having experienced a cinema visit, the growth potential is significant.
Notable Attendees and Speakers
– Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana
– King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse
– Adekunle Ayodeji Afolayan, film producer/director
– Omoni Oboli, director, actress, and
scriptwriter
By Kingsley Asiedu
