As the present economic stresses continue to take their toll on governments, NGO’s, businesses, and individuals across the globe, the arts, and support of the arts may seem like a luxury. However, this could not be further from the truth, and especially so in the so-called developing world where events such as film festivals are of critical importance, both culturally and economically.
African institutions, now more than ever, should ensure the continued support, promotion and development of African arts and culture, with film festivals taking a leading role in this regard. It has been encouraging to see the increase in the number of film festivals and markets taking place across Africa as these events are often at the forefront of promoting Africa’s stories and cultures, whilst also developing both the the industry and audiences for African films.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival, (ZIFF), The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the Joburg Film Festival (JFF), FESPACO, The Encounters Documentary Film Festival, Zimbabwe International Film Festival, the Rwanda Film Festival, the Maisha Film Festival in Uganda, the Udada Film Festival in Kenya, and the Salaam Kivu International Film Festival, Democratic Republic of Congo are just some of the festivals attracting thousands of people across the continent in a celebration of African culture, talent, stories and films.
As drivers of cultural pride, social expression, political change, film festivals also hold a special place as many are built around principles of inclusion, tolerance and outreach to communities, as well as providing workshops, training and development for young filmmakers. More and more, film festivals are built around the commercial development of the African content industry and are also becoming vital drivers of economic growth within the film sector and beyond.
This year for example, the Zanzibar International Film Festival will be expanding to include a film and TV content market in order to further create commercial distribution platforms for African content. DISCOP Johannesburg, Africa’s largest content market partnered in 2016 with the Joburg Film Festival to further cement these links between the cultural and commercial aspects of the industry. These events, amongst others, are essential in ensuring a viable and commercial future for African content.
Recent statistics released by DISCOP Johannesburg show the marked increase in the interest in African content, not just in Africa, but from around the world. Film festivals provide one of the most credible and prestigious platforms by which African content is shared and promoted. When combined with the commercial opportunities created at related markets, Festivals clearly are integral to the continued growth and development of the sector.
It is therefore vital that film festivals are supported by governments and the private sector. Many festivals operate as non-profits and are reliant on funders and sponsors to survive, despite their economic and cultural benefits. As African cinema rises, so will Africa, and by supporting festivals, funders are able to simultaneously improve both the cultural and economic future of the continent.
