South African actor John Kani has highlighted the challenges faced by African filmmakers in producing quality movies that tell the African story.
In an interview with Doreen Avio, Kani emphasized the issue of insufficient funding as a major hindrance to the industry.
Kani pointed out that foreign filmmakers are often able to produce better African-themed movies because they have access to bigger budgets.
He questioned why African filmmakers struggle to create films like “Wakanda” or “Black Panther,” attributing it to the limited financial resources available for such productions.
Calling on affluent Africans to support the art and film industry, Kani emphasized the importance of investing in local talent to compete internationally.
He stressed the need for Africans to showcase their work on their own terms, without relying on foreign award shows like the Oscars or Grammys.
In addition to financial support, Kani proposed the creation of a learning space for aspiring filmmakers to enhance the quality of movies produced in Africa.
He highlighted the potential for young talents in countries like Ghana and Nigeria to develop scripts and contribute to the growth of the industry.
John Kani, known for his roles in Marvel films like “Captain America: Civil War” and “Black Panther,” as well as Netflix productions like “Murder Mystery,” encouraged African filmmakers to seize the opportunity to tell their own stories and showcase the beauty and diversity of the continent.
