Kenya Film Commission, African Union establish Audio Visual and Cinema body

At a function held in Nairobi on Friday, regional and local film makers witnessed the establishment of the AACC as spearheaded by the Government of Kenya, the AU Commission and the Pan-African Federation of Film Makers (FEPACI).

AACC will promote research on African Audio-visual and cinema industries, promote and distribute African films throughout the continent and internationally and fast-track the establishment of the African Audio Visual and Cinema fund. 

Additionally, the commission will provide technical support and advisory services to member states for the formulation and implementation of audio-visual and cinema policies.

The AACC is also expected to promote the protection of indigenous knowledge and African oral and written folklore both at the national and continental levels.

Speaking during the launch, Head of the AACC 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 champion the AACC objectives as well as prioritize conducting sector audits and providing technical assistance to bolster the industry’s growth,” said Cisse.

Acting Director for Social Development, Culture and Sport, 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 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 industries performance in order to compete in 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 conducive environment for audio visual investment,” said Maalim.

KFC CEO Timothy Owase reiterated the Commission’s support towards ensuring that the AACC will create a unified African market that will be united through story telling.

“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 Madu Chikwendu, Film Specialist, Sylvie NWET, Nigeria, Mrs. Magdalena Reddy, Director Durban FilmMart Institute, South Africa, Onke Dumeko - National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), South Africa and Nicholas Moyo, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Zimbabwe.

The temporary AACC secretariat will be hosted by the Kenya Film Commission offices in Nairobi.