Last week, MIP Africa wrapped up with a bang! This premier event, held as part of the larger Fame Week Africa conference, brought together the brightest minds in African and international film & TV. The energy was electric as creatives, producers, and distributors networked and forged new partnerships – something I believe I could take full advantage of as I made my way through the conference floor and into the Producer’s Lounge for one-on-one meetings.
Whether you were networking over coffee at the Next-On-Netflix Coffee Shop or enjoying a meal at the Primedia Studios Café, FAME Week Africa ensured networking like a Pro! Between stands hosting internal luncheons and external mixers, respectively, let’s not forget rooftop breakfasts – Cape Town rolled out the red carpet for FAME Week Africa, with its stunning backdrop and vibrant culture ready to welcome delegates from around the world.
Each day of FAME Week Africa’s conference programme, attendees and delegates entered meetings & drew their deals to a close. Stages by MIP Africa speaker sessions were abuzz with the latest industry insights and showcases from professionals across the entertainment sector.
Key Takeaways for Me:
- African Talent took Centre Stage: MIP Africa was a showcase for the incredible talent coming out of Africa. From trailblazing stories to innovative production techniques, African creatives proved they’re ready to make their mark on the global stage. The Emmy® Award-winning legend himself at FAME Week Africa, Steve Harvey discussed his ground-breaking project, “Botswana Ignite”, which promises to revolutionise infrastructure in Africa. I had a front row opportunity to learn from a man who turns dreams into reality – through faith.
- Deals, Deals, and More Deals: The event was a focal point for activity, with an abundance of deals signed between African and international players. This is a clear sign that the demand for African content is soaring. Our very own Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and a representative of Canada, signed a Co-Production Treaty at the NFVF stand.
- Policy Discussions Drive Progress: Beyond the deals, MIP Africa also tackled important issues like policy frameworks and incentives. These discussions are crucial for creating a supportive environment for the growth of the African film and TV industry. “We are incredibly excited to continue strengthening our relationships with our production partners in South Africa and bringing diverse and authentic local stories by local storytellers to our local and global audiences. We have seen South African stories not only be loved locally, but they have also found a fandom in many countries around the world. This is only a small taste of what’s to come next on Netflix as we continue our work to bring local South African and international stories to entertain our 278 million members around the world.” ~ Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of Content for Middle East and Africa
- What Does This Mean for the Future?
The success of MIP Africa is a proof that the influence of African film & TV is growing rapidly. As the continent continues to produce revolutionary content, events like this will play a vital role in connecting creatives with global opportunities. It’s an exciting time for African storytelling, and MIP Africa has solidified its position as a key player in driving the industry forward. -
The Time for Africa is… Now! FAME Week Africa is where the magic happens!
- #MIPAfrica #FameWeekAfrica #AfricanFilm #AfricanTV
