The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has partnered with MTN to empower African filmmakers and indigenous content creators.
The strategic collaboration aims to revolutionise the African film industry, opening up new avenues for filmmakers and creating opportunities for the promotion and distribution of indigenous content.
AFRIFF, widely recognised as the largest annual film festival in Africa, has been at the forefront of showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent for over a decade.
With an impressive array of films submitted each year, the festival has become a beacon of creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange in the African film landscape.
This year’s festival, with the theme ‘Indigenous 2.0 Global’, will be held between November 5 and 11 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
MTN, with its extensive network and largest aggregation of subscribers, said it is committed to fostering the growth of the African entertainment industry following the indigenous 2.0 theme.
It seeks to empower African players in the film industry by providing them with unprecedented opportunities for Global exposure and distribution.
Through the partnership, AFRIFF and MTN aim to bridge the gap between talented African filmmakers and a wider audience.
The partners said as the streaming landscape is dominated by global streamers, many deserving films from Africa struggle to find a platform for their voices to be heard.
They added that this collaboration will address this critical challenge by offering a dedicated channel where African filmmakers can showcase their work to millions of viewers across the continent.
According to them, the benefits of this partnership extend beyond the filmmakers themselves.
They noted that by amplifying African voices and promoting indigenous content, AFRIFF and MTN will contribute to the preservation and celebration of African culture and stories.
This strategic endeavor, they believe, will create economic opportunities for local talent, boost tourism, and enhance Africa’s global reputation as a hub of artistic excellence.
Speaking about the partnership, the Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, expressed her excitement.
She said: “We are thrilled to join forces with MTN, a leader in the telecommunications industry.
“This collaboration will empower African filmmakers, providing them with the means to reach a broader audience and ensuring that their incredible stories are heard.
“Together, we will redefine the African film landscape and foster the growth of the industry.
“Our ‘indigenous 2.0 global’ aligns perfectly with MTN’s mission, and together, we will unlock the immense potential of African filmmakers.
“By leveraging our extensive network and resources, we will pave way for a more inclusive and vibrant African content.”
The Chief Digital Officer of MTN, Aisha Umar-Mumuni, added: “Digital entertainment has become an integral part of our day to day lives.
“The growth in the use of smartphones and digital services has compelled the need to provide digital solutions and partner with organisations like AFRIFF, to distribute indigenous African content, making them accessible regardless of geographical locations.
“We are well-positioned to lead the charge as the biggest ICT operator in Africa, committed to using technology to promote the continent on the global stage.”
AFRIFF and MTN invite filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to join them in this exciting new chapter for African cinema.
They vowed to champion the power of storytelling and elevate the voices of African filmmakers to new heights.
AFRIFF is the largest annual film festival in Africa, dedicated to showcasing exceptional African cinema and nurturing emerging talent.
With a diverse range of films from across the continent, AFRIFF provides a platform for cultural exchange and celebrates the rich heritage of African storytelling.
MTN is the largest telecommunications company in Africa, with a wide-reaching network and the largest aggregation of subscribers.
It is committed to empowering African players in the entertainment industry.
