A Contributed Perspective
By Dr. Jude G. Akudinobi
University of California, Santa Barbara

Pioneer African filmmakers, striving to institute purposeful, socially responsible cinema, saw filmmaking as a medium for raising issues -- especially with respect to African cultures, histories, societies -- and preferred integrating entertainment with public enlightenment.

The next phase of African filmmaking, however, seemed more concerned with bringing African cinema to the level of global industry.

Critics felt this may leave filmmakers without the freedom to tap their imagination outside of certain commercial calculations.

Lately, though, African filmmakers -- encouraged by advances in digital technologies -- have ushered transformations in narrative styles, themes, formats as complex as the continent.

Remarkably, a landmark in contemporary African cinema is the thriving home-video market which, riding the wave of technological innovations, emerged in Nigeria.

Hugely popular across Africa and its diasporas, Nollywood, as the phenomenal Nigerian industry is termed, grew out of bare-knuckle, entrepreneurial resourcefulness. It has established its own star systems, distribution circuits, aesthetic, narrative, thematic formulations through the incorporation of various indigenous elements, storytelling traditions, and commercial genres.

Nollywood, increasingly the subject of documentaries, panel discussions, and articles across the globe, has seen exceptional efforts by the Nigerian government to foster growth.

From a related angle, the emergence of South Africa as a hub of film-making is noteworthy given the country's high screen per capita (by African measures), thriving domestic film markets and festivals, and first-rate production facilities.

With recent honors and acclaim at prestigious international film festivals, bilateral co-production arrangements with some European countries, the emergence of new talents and voices, the South African film industry appears more reflective of the transformations in the nation's contemporary milieu.

It is important, also, to note how the steady growth of African film festivals, within and outside the continent, as well as invitations to other prestigious festivals have increased the visibility of African cinema in the global marketplace.

Viewed within global cinema circuits and history, the African films are, largely, accepted on their own terms. The exposure gained by proximity to the mainstream markets guarantees, in part, the cultivation of more expansive audiences beyond domestic markets through specialized distributions as well as ancillary satellite, Internet and cable TV outlets.

African Voices Series

The inauguration of African Voices Cinema Series at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi is an auspicious development.

It augurs well for African cinema and independent film-making and is critical to building bridges across cultural divides, especially as films in this inaugural roster open enthralling vistas to the distinctive cultural milieus and intricate layers of contemporary Africa.

That the Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Frank Nweke, is attending the inaugural event is unprecedented.

In a way, it highlights certain investment potentials and what cinema has come to mean in Africa.

Films in the African Voices Series to look forward to seeing at ArcLight Hollywood:

• The UK's SHOOT THE MESSENGER is a comedy from a young black man's perspective on being a person of color. It screens Sunday, November 5, 9:30 PM, and Monday, November 6, 1:15 PM.
• Algeria's official Oscar® submission DAYS OF GLORY is a wartime drama akin to Edward Zwick's GLORY. It screens Thursday, November 9, 6:30 PM, and Friday, November 10, 1:30PM.
• South Africa's HOMECOMING is a man's journey back home after 20 years in exile. It screens Friday, November 10, 7:30 PM and Saturday, November 11, 1:30 PM.

Dr. Akudinobi also moderates the African Voices Panel, special guest the Honorable Minister Frank Nweke Jr. (Federal Minister of Information & National Orientation for the Republic of Nigeria) and filmmakers from the African Voices Series: Saturday, November 4, 9:30 AM, American Film Market (AFM), Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.