Africa's Film Boom: Forum Aims to Unlock €18 Billion Film Economy
The Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF) is back, and this year’s event is more crucial than ever. With a renewed focus and a clear mission, the AFFF is dedicated to unleashing the vast economic potential locked within Africa's vibrant film industry. Scheduled to take place from September 16th to 18th, 2025, this forum promises to be a pivotal moment for African cinema, aiming to catalyse growth and investment across the continent.
A Continent Ripe for Investment
Africa’s film industry is experiencing a renaissance. Driven by a burgeoning middle class, increasing mobile phone penetration, and a growing appetite for locally produced content, the demand for African films is soaring both domestically and internationally. However, this potential is often hampered by a lack of access to funding and infrastructure. The AFFF directly addresses this challenge by bringing together key players – filmmakers, producers, distributors, investors, financiers – to forge partnerships and secure vital capital.
The €18 Billion Opportunity
The forum’s ambitious goal is to unlock a €18 billion film economy across Africa. This isn't just about creating entertainment; it's about creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the continent to a global audience. The AFFF aims to facilitate deals, provide training, and build a sustainable ecosystem for African film production.
What to Expect at the AFFF 2025
- Project Pitches: Filmmakers will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to potential investors, seeking funding for development, production, and distribution.
- Networking Events: The forum will provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration between industry professionals.
- Workshops & Masterclasses: Expert-led workshops and masterclasses will cover a range of topics, from film financing and distribution to marketing and audience development.
- Marketplace: A dedicated marketplace will showcase African films and related services to international buyers and distributors.
More Than Just a Forum: Building a Sustainable Industry
The AFFF isn’t just about securing short-term funding. It’s about building a sustainable film industry in Africa, one that can thrive independently and contribute significantly to the continent’s economic development. By fostering collaboration, providing training, and connecting filmmakers with investors, the AFFF is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of African cinema. The focus this year is particularly on supporting emerging filmmakers and ensuring that diverse voices are heard.
Why This Matters to Ireland?
The growth of the African film industry presents significant opportunities for Irish filmmakers and businesses. Collaboration and co-productions between Ireland and Africa are becoming increasingly common, and the AFFF provides a valuable platform for exploring these possibilities. Irish companies with expertise in post-production, VFX, and distribution can also benefit from the expanding African market.
Join the Movement
The Africa Film Finance Forum 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of African cinema. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, investor, or simply a film enthusiast, this forum offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative movement. Register today and help unlock the full potential of Africa’s film economy. Learn More and Register Here