Film Lab Africa captured the spotlight at Film Africa 2024, presenting a compelling panel discussion titled, “Unleashing the Potential of the African Cinema Value Chain through Development Programs.” This key session delved into the transformative opportunities and challenges facing the African cinema industry, highlighting the essential role of development programs in driving sustainable growth. Held as part of the prestigious Film Africa festival, the event reinforced the importance of education, mentorship, and creative expression in uplifting African voices on the global stage.
Morning Panels and Insights
The day began with an enlightening series of discussions featuring prominent industry leaders, including Julian Alcantara, Colette Otusheso, Don Omope, and Sukanmi Adebayo, alongside Nigerian government representatives. The panel, led by project delivery partner Olasunkanmi Adebayo of Afrowren Productions and UK support partner Yemi Daramola of Darimedia, covered a variety of topics crucial to African cinema’s growth. These included strategies for distribution, leveraging cultural diplomacy, and creating pathways for broader international exposure.
Industry veteran Don Omope, who serves as a mentor for this year’s cohort, stressed the significance of authentic storytelling, asserting, “African filmmakers have the power to reshape global narratives about our continent. Initiatives like Film Lab Africa are pivotal in providing the platform and support to achieve this vision.” Julian Alcantara shared his vision for African cinema’s global trajectory, adding, “With the right infrastructure and policies, African cinema can not only thrive locally but also carve a meaningful space on the world stage.”
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy of Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by Mr. Kingsley Bash, also lent his support to the industry, emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships. “The Nigerian government is fully committed to supporting the creative industry,” he said, encouraging the private sector to play an active role in shaping African cinema’s future.
Colette Otusheso, CEO of Accelerate TV, echoed the panel’s focus on empowering young filmmakers, saying, “Supporting emerging filmmakers is key to fostering a vibrant creative economy across Africa. This program enables African talent to shine, turning their passion into impactful global careers.”
Evening Showcase and Audience Reactions
As the evening progressed, the screening of films created by Film Lab Africa participants captivated audiences. Sally Robinson, Director of Cultural Engagement for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, praised the filmmakers’ work, underscoring the program’s role in bringing African stories to a wider global audience. She stated, “These filmmakers are more than just artists; they are changemakers whose work enhances the global cultural landscape.”
The audience’s response to the films was overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the authenticity, innovation, and depth of the narratives. A standout in the evening’s screenings was Salamatu’s Rhapsody, directed by Shimataver Igbawua, which emerged as a crowd favourite. Igbawua shared her thoughts on the project, stating, “Film Lab Africa empowered me to tell stories that are both personal and universal. The audience’s response to Salamatu’s journey was incredibly rewarding.” Other filmmakers, such as Sandra Adaora Anyanwu (Nepa) and Temi Ami-Williams (Ireti), expressed their pride in having their work showcased at this landmark event.
The Journey to Film Africa
The success of Film Lab Africa began earlier this year, with 60 emerging filmmakers from diverse African nations receiving intensive training in screenwriting, production, and financial management. Following their training, the filmmakers were tasked with creating 20 films, 10 of which received grants for short films, while the other 10 were funded for microfilms shot on smartphones. These films were first showcased in Lagos over the summer before being brought to London for the prestigious Film Africa 2024 festival.
Featured Films and Industry Impact
The evening’s screenings highlighted a diverse array of films that captured the essence of African storytelling. Featured films included:
- Toll Free – Produced by Mel Rouge
- Ireti – Directed by Temi Ami-Williams
- Ekun Iyawo – Directed by Moses Ipadeola
- Nepa – Directed by Sandra Adaora Anyanwu
- Femi – Directed by Stephanie Coker
- Adunni – Directed by Jemima Pearl Marcel-Udoh
- Blood & Rope – Directed by Twamsen Danaan
- Ralia’s Secret – Directed by Faustina Okomayin
- She Sees – Directed by Akah Nnani
- Salamatu’s Rhapsody – Directed by Shimataver Igbawua
The positive impact of Film Lab Africa extends beyond the individual filmmakers, contributing to the growth of the African cinema industry as a whole. Sukanmi Adebayo of Afrowren Productions, the Nigerian partner for the programme, emphasized, This initiative enables young filmmakers to share authentic stories that connect both locally and internationally. We are proud of the achievements of these emerging talents.”
Future Screenings and Opportunities
Following its London debut, the films will continue to be showcased to international audiences at upcoming screenings in Lagos and the Barbados Film Festival, further extending the global reach of African cinema. With continued support from the British Council and other partners, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.