The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) and the African Union (AU) launched the temporary Secretariat of the African Audio Visual and Cinema Commission (AACC) in Nairobi at a function attended by regional and local filmmakers.
The Government of Kenya, the AU Commission, and the Pan-African Federation of Film Makers (FEPACI) spearheaded the establishment of the AACC.
AACC will promote research on African Audiovisual and cinema industries, promote and distribute African films throughout the continent and internationally, and fast-track the establishment of the African Audiovisual and Cinema Fund. Additionally, the Commission will provide technical support and advisory services to member states for the formulation and implementation of audiovisual and cinema policies.
The AACC is also expected to promote the protection of indigenous knowledge and African oral and written folklore at the national and continental levels.
Speaking during the launch, the head of the AACC, Mr Amadou Cisse, expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya for offering to host the AACC secretariat and committed to promoting cooperation among AU member states in the audio-visual world.
“The AACC temporary launch in Kenya marks a significant step forward in our journey to nurture
creativity and solidarity through audio-visual mediums. We shall commit to championing the AACC objectives, prioritising conducting sector audits, and providing technical assistance to
bolster the industry’s growth.” Said Cisse.
Acting Director for Social Development, Culture and Sport, Mrs Angela Martins, said the launch marked a significant milestone in the collective journey towards fostering the growth and development of the African audio-visual and cinema sector.
“The establishment of the Temporary Secretariat of the AACC signifies a tangible step forward in realizing the objectives set forth by the African Union to promote creativity, innovation, and solidarity through the medium of audio-visual and cinematic expressions.” Said Martins.
Principal Secretary of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Kenya, Ismail Maalim, challenged the stakeholders in the film industry in Africa to give themselves high targets and constantly review the industry performance to compete on the global stage as well as remove hurdles that make it difficult for film investment in Africa difficult, expensive and unattractive.
“I encourage the African Union member countries to develop strategies that can be implemented immediately to create a conducive environment for audio-visual investment.” Said Maalim.
KFC CEO Timothy Owase reiterated the Commission’s support for ensuring that the AACC will create a unified African market that is united through storytelling.
“At KFC, we shall ensure that we have developed policies, incentives, and proper infrastructure for creatives to traverse the world. We shall work together with AACC in marketing African cinema to the world,” said Owase.
Key stakeholders in the African film industry who attended the event include Mr. Madu Chikwendu, Film Specialist, Sylvie NWET, Nigeria, Mrs. Magdalena Reddy, Director Durban FilmMart Institute, South Africa; Ms. Onke Dumeko – National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), South Africa and Mr. Nicholas Moyo, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Zimbabwe.
