Idris Elba will headline the second annual Africa Cinema Summit in Ghana this October.
This exciting event will run from 7 to 10 October at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
IDRIS ELBA AND THE AFRICA CINEMA SUMMIT
Key industry figures, including Fiona Lamptey, a former Netflix executive, and Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, will join Elba, a Golden Globe winner.
The summit will focus on how African cinema can grow and thrive, according to Deadline.
The theme, ‘The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities,’ will guide discussions around local content production. It will also discuss the ways to make cinema accessible to lower-income audiences.
IDRIS ELBA AND AFRICAN CONTENT CREATION
Executives from the African diaspora, along with representatives from several African countries such as Nigeria, Namibia, Morocco, Rwanda, and Angola, are expected to attend.
This year’s summit will be a platform for discussing the incredible surge in African content creation.
There will be an emphasis on boosting investment in the film sector and finding ways to reimagine cinema for underserved audiences.
IDRIS ELBA ON AFRICAN STORIES
Elba expressed his excitement, saying, “Africa has been at the forefront of communication and storytelling for centuries.
Sadly, people have not noticed this innovation and the complex stories originating on the continent.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Africa Cinema Summit,” he said.
Elba, who is also chairman of The Akuna Group, is deeply invested in the future of African cinema, according to IMDB.
GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT IN AFRICAN FILMS
He is actively involved in film projects across the continent, including plans to build a state-of-the-art film studio in Zanzibar.
The organisers see his participation in the summit as a big win.
They are hoping to use his star power to shine a global spotlight on African films.
Local figures will also play a significant role in the summit.
KEY SPEAKERS
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the king of the Ga Traditional Area in southern Ghana, will be among the speakers.
Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority of Ghana, and other key industry leaders are also expected to lead discussions.
Asante believes the potential for growth in African cinema is immense, according to Africa News.
She said, “The only way to grow local content and increase the cinema offerings on the African continent is to work together.”
REBATES FOR GHANA
Last year’s summit resulted in several wins for African cinema.
President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged his support during the event, leading to the introduction of a 20% tax rebate for filmmakers in Ghana.
This initiative, along with efforts to promote local content, shows that African cinema is on the rise.
The event will bring together some of the most influential voices in African cinema.
AFRICAN FILMMAKERS
Other notable attendees include Nigerian actress Omoni Oboli, film producer Kunle Afolayan, and Aminata Diop-Johnson from The African Pavilion.
For South African filmmakers, this summit represents an opportunity to connect with industry leaders across the continent.
As local films continue to gain traction, it’s clear that African cinema has an exciting future ahead.
With Elba at the helm, the Africa Cinema Summit promises to be a crucial moment in that journey.