1. What is the significance of The African Film Library?
Many in the independent filmmaking sector have recognised M-Net’s African Film Library
initiative as a significant advance in the growth and development of the film industry
in Africa. The majority of top African cineastes, including filmmaking greats such
as Ousmane Sembene, have entrusted M-Net to be the custodian of their films. M-Net
and The African Film Library is very proud to be assigned this task and responsibility.
2. How has this project been received by African filmmakers?
Making African-produced films and documentaries accessible to Africans around the
world is key to growing the African film industry.
Up until now, the vast majority of African filmmakers have struggled to effectively
promote and distribute their films. M-Net promises regular television broadcast
of these films as well as wide distribution through other media platforms.
This is a practical and effective solution to the problem of film distribution.
This is one of the reasons why many key filmmakers have embraced the M-Net African
Film Library initiative.
3. Why have Africa's top filmmakers supported this project?
M-Net recognizes the cultural value and importance of restoring and promoting Africa’s
rich ‘axis of excellence’ in film and television production. The digitalisation
of all films it has acquired, as well as innovative distribution via new media channels,
shows the importance M-Net places on preserving and sharing the African culture
and filmmaking traditions.
4. How long has M-Net been working on The African Film Library
initiative?
It took M-Net three years to acquire the footage it currently has in the library.
Films were carefully curated, and in particular the copyright considerations for
each film had to be meticulous.
5. How does this project help African filmmakers?
This project has allowed M-Net to strengthen its ties with African filmmakers and
producers. The process has also helped filmmakers learn more about the value of
copyright and the importance of ensuring the export readiness of future work.
6. How exactly is The African Film Library going to grow access
to these films?
This film library is the first of its kind. Now anyone, anywhere can view the wealth
of African film footage with ease. Previously many of these movies, shorts and documentaries
were almost impossible to access once they had completed their commercial run.
7. Why is M-Net only recognising the potential of Africa's top
films now?
Over the years, M-Net has created a range of events and initiatives in order to
develop and promote filmmaking across the African continent. The M-Net All Africa
Film Awards and M-Net New Directions are key examples of M-Net’s contribution to
the development of African cinema.
The African Film Library is a natural extension and culmination of these past efforts.
8. What challenges were faced in building this groundbreaking
film library?
Lack of export readiness by African filmmakers and producers was probably the most
daunting challenge. It was often difficult to obtain basic elements such as pictures,
dialogues sheets, production agreements and so on – all of these are critical in
the process of selling and promoting a film.
Another interesting challenge M-Net faced was establishing who really owns the film.
In many cases the copyright rested with foreign producers, rather then the filmmakers
themselves.
9. Does this recognition of Africa's top films mean the coming
of age of African cinema?
The African Film Library effectively establishes a new market for the African continent.
Previously films that had completed the commercial cycle were no longer easily accessible.
Now they can be watched again thanks to the Internet and the video on demand service
via the film library.
10. Which established and emerging African filmmakers are featured
in the library?
The library includes, amongst others, films by:
- Ousmane Sembene, Senegal - known as the father of African cinema:
Moolade
- Youseff Chahine, Egypt - pioneer of Arab cinema: Destiny
- Haile Gerima, Ethiopia/USA – filmmaker and philosopher
- Kwaw Ansah, Ghana
- Idrissa Ouedragou, Burkina Faso
- Djibril Diop Mambety, Senegal: Touki Bouki
- Jean Rouche, Niger/France
- Flora Gomes, Bissau
11. How will The African Film Library be rolling out the new
films given the variety of languages involved?
M-Net has acquired rights for all language versions for each film and so will offer
them via the website in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese from the outset.
All non-English language films will include English sub-titles.
12. Are The African Film Library films varied enough to meet
the demands African viewers across the continent and further afield?
Each film has its own audience in Africa and around the world. M-Net’s role is to
find these audiences and offer them high quality access to the films, through the
most suitable channels.
13. This deal means more exposure to African films. Can M-Net
see a filmmaking revolution re-emerging in Africa as a result?
Yes. Access to the films is the key. If The African Film Library creates better
access it will achieve several objectives, including:
- Developing a viable distribution network
- Providing a basis for producers to gain feedback on their work from particular audiences