By Seli Baisie
Hollywood actor Idris Elba is set to headline the second annual Africa Cinema Summit, hosted by Ghana’s National Film Authority.
The event will take place in Accra from October 7 to 10, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.
Elba, renowned for his roles in films such as Beasts of No Nation and Luther, has roots in both Sierra Leone and Ghana.
He will be joined by other high-profile figures, including Fiona Lamptey, a former Netflix executive and co-founder of Juno Studios, and Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer.
The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, will attend the summit as special guests of honour.
Focus on Cinema’s Role in Africa
This year’s summit will revolve around the theme: “The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities.” Industry experts are set to discuss the rise in local content production and the growing demand for African films.
Discussions will also explore ways to promote investment in African cinema and how to enhance the movie-going experience for underserved audiences, particularly in lower-income communities across the continent.
Delegates from several African nations, including Nigeria, Morocco, Rwanda, Namibia, and Angola, are expected to participate, alongside international stakeholders from the African diaspora. Representatives from investment bodies like Afreximbank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will also be present.
About the Africa Cinema Summit
The Africa Cinema Summit is a three-day event that brings together key players from across the global cinema industry to focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within the African market.
It aims to foster partnerships, drive investment, and create a platform for stakeholders to network and collaborate.
The event is organized by the National Film Authority, led by executives Tim Yaw Struthers, Moses Babatope, and Funmi Onuma, in partnership with Nile Media Entertainment Group and Silverbird Cinemas.