Circulation of African works: debating and creating synergy

In order to raise awareness among its TV partners as to issues involving the circulation of works and their economic outlets, CFI organised a round table on this theme on 2 March 2009, during the 21st edition of Fespaco. Catherine Tasca, Vice-President of the French Senate, led this discussion between professionals from North and South. Participants included Burkinan director Aminata Diallo Glez, Director of Arte Éditions Adrienne Frejacques, the Managing Director of ORTB (Benin Office of Radio and Television) and the Chair of the AUB (African Union of Broadcasting), Julien Akpaki, as well as Gabonese film-maker Charles Mensah.

Encouraging region-wide, joint productions and sharing

CFI is convinced that to foster a TV industry in Africa, TV channels need to cooperate closely to design and fund programmes. Bartering schemes and joint productions at a regional level make it possible to reach out to a broader audience. The sub-regional success of TV series, such as Kadie Jolie and more recently Super Flics shows that these programmes may appeal to the general public and pull a profit.

The CFI Department for Africa has earmarked 50% of its 2009 programme acquisition budget for the support of African production. In order to uphold a more virtuous circle between local channels and producers, CFI now systematically omits the country of origin of the producer/director in programme purchasing contracts. The idea is to facilitate trading between parties and to encourage funding for African production.

It is vital for all players in the sector to get moving to offer African TV viewers more programmes that truly reflect the realities of the continent.

Illustration Zoetaba