Film made in Africa – the film industry offers creative jobs with a future

Context

From actors to special effects experts to film festival organisers, around five million people work in the film industry in Africa, and the demand for films ‘made in Africa’ is growing rapidly.

As part of the digital cultural industry, young directors and scriptwriters address social change, give silent heroes a platform and shine a spotlight on places that are normally not so visible. With their works, they shape the cultural identity and international perception of their countries.

Yet filmmakers in Kenya and Rwanda have only limited access to funding, support services and distribution channels. There is also a lack of standards to ensure good working conditions as well as practical training opportunities and options to specialise in a particular area.

Goal

The film industry in Kenya and Rwanda has improved. Filmmakers are professionally qualified and relevant state funding strategies are being implemented.

Objective

The film industry in Kenya and Rwanda has improved. Filmmakers have acquired professional skills and relevant public support strategies are being implemented.

Approach

In order to improve the general conditions for filmmakers, the project is working with the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) and the Rwanda Film Office (RFO) to set up long-term, inclusive and fair film funding programmes.

Together with Some Fine Day Pix (SFDP) and Media Education Babelsberg (MEB), the project assists in establishing practical training for filmmakers and other professional groups in the industry. There is a particular focus on women and people from the LGBTQI+ community.

Beyond the borders of Kenya and Rwanda, the project is involved in setting up the Digital Film School Africa, a digital learning platform for young filmmakers. It was founded by the Ghanaian training institutes African University College of Communications (AUCC) and YMCA Ghana, with the support of the non-profit organisation Weltfilme.

The project also supports networking and exchange formats both within the film industry and with other stakeholders from the areas of politics, education, business and civil society.

Last update: November 2023