Film Lab Africa Takes Center Stage at FilmAfrica 2024
London, UK – On Friday, November 8th, 2024, the annual FilmAfrica festival showcased the groundbreaking panel, “Unleashing the Potential of the African Cinema Value Chain through Development Programs,” presented by Film Lab Africa. The panel, moderated by Gbolahan Peter Macjob, explored pivotal challenges and transformative opportunities within African cinema, with a focus on sustainable growth and the sector’s impact on Africa’s creative economy. The event, held at the annual Film Africa festival, brought together top African filmmaking talent and influential industry leaders for a unique blend of education, mentorship, and creative expression. Through engaging panel discussions, screenings, and impactful networking sessions, the event underscored Film Lab Africa’s mission to develop and amplify African voices on a global stage.
Morning Panels and Insights
The day began with an insightful panel featuring esteemed speakers, including Julian Alcantara, Colette Otusheso, Don Omope, Sukanmi Adebayo, and representatives from the Nigerian government. Project delivery partner Olasunkanmi Adebayo of Afrowren Productions and UK support partner Yemi Daramola of Darimedia led sessions covering topics from distribution strategies to leveraging cultural diplomacy for the African film sector.
Industry veteran Don Omope, a mentor to this year’s participants, emphasized the importance of storytelling rooted in authenticity, stating, “African filmmakers have the power to reframe global narratives about our continent. Programs like Film Lab Africa are crucial in providing the platform and support needed to achieve this.” Julian Alcantara echoed this sentiment, sharing, “It’s time for African cinema to own its space on the world stage. With the right infrastructure and policies in place, African cinema can not only thrive domestically but also establish a significant presence internationally.”
The panel opened with impactful speeches by program leaders and stakeholders, each underscoring the critical need for international support and structured growth in African cinema.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Nigeria, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by Mr. Kingsley Bash, reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to the film industry. He underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, saying, “Our government recognizes the vast potential of the creative industry, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment that supports filmmakers. We call upon the private sector to join us in this mission to elevate African cinema.”
Colette Otusheso, CEO of Accelerate TV, highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives on Africa’s creative landscape: “Empowering young filmmakers and storytellers is essential to building a thriving creative economy across the continent. Programs like this one provide a platform for African talent to shine, transforming passion into impactful careers that resonate globally.”
Evening Showcase and Audience Reactions
As the evening transitioned to the screenings of Film Lab Africa participant films, the British Council’s Director of Cultural Engagement for Sub-Saharan Africa, Sally Robinson, spoke on behalf of the British Council. She applauded the filmmakers’ accomplishments and celebrated the program’s role in bringing African stories to an international audience. Robinson expressed, “These filmmakers are not only talented; they are changemakers whose work contributes to the global cultural landscape. The pride and passion they bring are palpable, and we are honored to support their journey.”
Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with viewers lauding the films for their depth, innovation, and cultural richness. The showcase highlighted Film Lab Africa’s essential role in fostering talent and establishing a foundation for the sustainable growth of African cinema. The evening concluded with a round of applause and a commitment to continue this journey of cultural exchange, innovation, and cinematic excellence.
The Journey to Film Africa
The success of the Film Lab Africa program began earlier this year with a cohort of 60 emerging filmmakers from diverse African countries. Since January, these filmmakers have received rigorous training in both the creative and business aspects of the film industry, mastering skills in screenwriting, production, and financial planning. Following the training, each filmmaker applied for grants that required the practical application of their newfound expertise, resulting in 20 films that were funded and produced. Among these, 10 short films received grants of £5,000 each, while 10 microfilms shot on smartphones were funded with £500 each. These 20 films were initially showcased in Lagos over the summer with the 10 short film recipients invited to London for the FilmAfrica 2024 to showcase their skills at London’s own biennial film festival for black filmmakers in the United Kingdom.
Featured Films
The evening session captivated audiences with a screening of the 10 short films selected from the cohort, each representing a unique and authentic African narrative. Featured films included:
Toll Free – Produced by Mel RougeIreti – Directed by Temi Ami-WilliamsEkun Iyawo – Directed by Moses IpadeolaNepa – Directed by Sandra Ada