Africa’s creative economy is gaining global recognition, and CNN’s Connecting Africa is capturing the moment. In its latest episode, anchor Victoria Rubadiri takes viewers to the iconic Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious global film stages, to explore how African creators are shaping the industry and building opportunities for growth.
Pavillon Afriques: The Beating Heart of African Cinema at Cannes
At the center of this movement is Pavillon Afriques, a dedicated space for African filmmakers, producers, and distributors to connect with industry leaders. Its founder, Karine Barclais, explains why this initiative is vital.
“We don’t want people to come to Cannes just for the red carpet. We want them to think about their future because it is a business. We are in the market, so we have to fully understand what it takes to create a movie beyond the artistic side,” Barclais said.
Now in its sixth year, Pavillon Afriques has become a hub for collaboration. It hosts panels, screenings, and workshops, all designed to encourage Africans to do business with each other ensuring that investments and revenue remain within the continent.
The Power of Co-Production in Africa
One of the strongest themes in the episode is the growing importance of co-productions. Souleymane Kebe, producer of the critically acclaimed romantic drama Banel & Adama, which premiered at Cannes in 2023, shared his experience.
“We do not have enough funding resources in Africa, so it is a struggle to make films. Co-production is the only way forward,” Kebe said.
According to a UNESCO African film industry report, 15 African countries have signed co-production agreements, allowing filmmakers to work across borders with less financial strain. Kebe filmed Banel & Adama across Senegal, Mali, and France, proving that collaboration makes high-quality African storytelling possible.
Content Distribution and Digital Access
Beyond production, content distribution is also expanding. Simon Tchokonte, founder of Dalino Media, runs an international content distribution house that supplies film and TV content to 35 African countries.
“My business is mainly digital. This makes it easier to send films, series, or animations across countries because there are no customs barriers,” Tchokonte said. His work highlights the increasing role of technology in connecting African audiences with homegrown stories.
Animation, AI, and the Next Generation
Nigerian-born animator Ebele Okoye is using her studios, Spunky Toonz and Jolly Squid, to train the next generation of African animators. She believes artificial intelligence (AI) is an equalizer for African creators, enabling them to produce quality work on a budget.
“We now have the opportunity to tell our stories without waiting for someone to give us millions. AI allows us to create characters, train our own models, and stay true to our culture,” Okoye said.
Why Africa’s Creative Economy Matters
The episode of Connecting Africa is more than a celebration of African talent it is a blueprint for growth. It shows that collaboration, innovation, and technology are the keys to unlocking Africa’s creative future.
With spaces like Pavillon Afriques, co-production agreements, and innovators like Okoye and Tchokonte, Africa’s film and animation industries are poised for global success.
