Second edition of Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) starts today

The second edition of the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS), a landmark event that promises to propel the African film industry to new heights starts today at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra.

Organised by National Film Authority (NFA) of Ghana, the summit is from today, October 7-10 themed, “Is Cinema Relevant in African Communities?”

The theme resonates deeply on a continent where film has the potential to shape cultural narratives, preserve history, and inspire future generations”.

Renowned British actor and Chairman of the IE7&The Akuna Group, Idris Elba will headline this year’s summit with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse as Guest of Honour tomorrow, October 8. (Related articles: Ga Mantse to be Guest of Honour at this year’s Africa Cinema Summit in October, Idris Elba to headline Ghana’s Africa Cinema Summit)

Indeed, Africa's film industry is experiencing a surge in growth, with cinema emerging as a significant aspect of the continent's cultural landscape. The rise of cinema in Africa is not only providing entertainment but also serving as a channel for storytelling, preserving history, and promoting cultural heritage.

In recent years, the African movie industry has gained global recognition, with films such as The Wedding Party and Jewel of the Nile showcasing the continent's talent and creativity.

The industry's growth is attributed to various factors, including advancements in technology, increased investment, and a new generation of filmmakers passionate about telling African stories.

It is, however, worth noting that despite Africa's impressive population of almost 1.5 billion, the cinema culture remains underdeveloped, with fewer than 1,700 screens across the continent.

This stark reality calls for attention to the need for investment in cinemas and the development of local content.

Representatives from African countries including Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola are set to attend alongside executives from throughout the African diaspora and reps from investment bodies including Afreximbank and IFC.  

At the launch of this year’s ACS earlier in June, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NFA, Juliet Asante, said Africa’s cinematic prowess was undeniable, yet remained largely untapped.

As such, the summit is poised to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth in the African cinema industry.