The second edition of the African Cinema Summit was officially launched on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Accra Tourist Information Centre. This year’s summit is scheduled to take place from the 7th to the 10th of October 2024.
Building on the success of the inaugural summit held last year, which brought together filmmakers from 20 African countries to Ghana for discussions on the growth of cinema on the continent, the focus of this year’s edition is to further advance the progress made in the African cinema industry. The theme for the 2024 summit is ‘Growth in quality of local content production and consumption driving the case for increased cinema investment’.
During his address, the Board Chairman of the National Film Authority, David Dontoh, emphasized the significance of the summit in documenting the history and culture of Africa for future generations. He expressed pride in the event and its potential to showcase Africa’s contributions to the global cinema landscape.
Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, the Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, highlighted the need for more cinemas in the country and encouraged individuals in the film industry to consider investing in cinema operations. She emphasized the opportunity that exists in bridging the gap in the market and diversifying within the industry.
In a positive development for filmmakers in Ghana, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, announced that the government is in the process of granting tax waivers for the film industry. This initiative aligns with the promise made by the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party to provide tax incentives for the creative sector if elected.
Organized by the National Film Authority under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Africa Cinema Summit serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in the African cinema industry. With a strong focus on enhancing the quality of local content production and consumption, the summit aims to position Africa as a hub for cinematic excellence on the global stage.