Broadcast, Film and Convergence in Africa - Issue no. 264 – 1st June 2017
Top Story
The Slow But Steady Rise of new African Cinemas – Congo-Brazzaville cinema MTN Movies House triples attendance every 3 month
1 June 2017
There has been a slow but steady increase in the number of cinemas in Africa, starting from a very low base. Last week we covered Filmhouse in Nigeria and in Cote d’Ivoire in 2015, 3 new cinemas were opened by a young local entrepreneur Jean-Marc Bejani. We also relayed the launch of CanalOlympia cinemas across West Africa. This week we look at the rise in cinema attendances at a new cinema in Congo Brazzaville called MTN Movies House.
Broadcast
Uprize! documentary makes its South African debut at Encounters Film Festival
1 June 2017
Following its world premiere at the prestigious FESPACO and recent showing at New York's African Film Festival, Uprize! makes its South African debut by opening up the Johannesburg leg of…
Broadcast
‘Skulls of My People’ documentary explores why Namibia is a “time bomb”
1 June 2017
Germany is in negotiations with Namibia about the phrasing of the first official apology for General von Trotha’s extermination orders that led to the murder of around 100 000 Ovaherero…
Broadcast
Ghanaian entries top the 2017 Golden Movie Awards Africa
1 June 2017
The 2017 Golden Movie Awards Africa will be taking place in Accra on 8 July with Ghanaian entries topping the list. Director of GMAA, Mimi Andani announced that unlike the…
Broadcast
Nigeria to host Africa’s 1st Cinematography Festival
1 June 2017
In what is looking like a confirmation of its top-end status as Africa’s leading motion picture industry, Nigeria is set to play host to the first-ever Africa Cinematography Festival of…
Broadcast
Cannes satire takes jab at African 'witchcraft' accusations
1 June 2017
Cannes (France) (AFP) - Being accused of witchcraft is no laughing matter in Africa -- but movie director Rungano Nyoni decided a dose of humour was just what was needed…
Broadcast
The 9 semi-finalists of the Annecy - MIFA Pitches Animation du Monde at DISCOP Abidjan announced!
1 June 2017
19 animation projects in development were received from 8 countries which covered the length and breadth of the African continent. The top 9 semi-finalists for the Annecy - MIFA Pitches…
Broadcast
This film deals with the complexities of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's life
1 June 2017
Johannesburg - For most of her life, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has offered South Africa the ultimate gift: Herself. It was always going to be a tall order for French director Pascale…
Broadcast
In brief
1 June 2017
First prizes for KFC in radio and Iziko Slave Lodge Museum in print led the way for another rewarding awards night for Ogilvy SA at the 2017 Creative Circle Ad…
Content
Algeria approved the launch of new channels
1 June 2017
Algeria will soon allow more TV channels in the country, Hamid Grine, Minister of Communication has planned for around ten new TV channels. This new regulation will allow to increase…
Content
e.tv adds four new channels to DStv
1 June 2017
E.tv let the cat out of the bag by adding DStv channel numbers to its e.tv channels list on its website while MultiChoice added e.tv channels information to its DStv…
Content
AMC Networks International and Multichoice sign an exclusive deal to launch Sundance TV on DStv
1 June 2017
The AMC Networks International (AMCNI) has announced that it will launch SundanceTV in South Africa for the first time, on DStv channel 108. SundanceTV, which celebrates independent feature films, world…
Content
Top European, North African Entities Forge Mediterranean Film Industries Pact
1 June 2017
Italy’s Rome Lazio Film Commission, the Spain Film Commission, France’s Ile-de-France, the film commissions of Andalucia and Tangiers and the Carthage Film Festival have joined forces to set up the…
Content
Kanal D to launch its own English drama channel in Africa
1 June 2017
During the NexTV CEO Africa conference 2017 held on the 10, 11& 12 May at the Hilton Resort- Mauritius, Kerim Emrah Turna- Director of Sales & Business Development, Americas &…
Content
Comedy Central Africa acquires rights to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
1 June 2017
Comedy Central Africa has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to U.S. late-night talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon from NBC Universal International Distribution. “We are delighted that Jimmy…
Content
In brief
1 June 2017
GOtv, Pay-TV provider in Nigeria reassured about new content to be announced on the Digital TV. General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, went on about the positive…
Distribution
Burkina Faso selects Eutelsat to accelerate nationwide roll-out of digital television
1 June 2017
Société burkinabè de télédiffusion (SBT) leverages EUTELSAT 3B satellite to transition to Digital Terrestrial Television Abidjan, Ouagadougou, Paris, 30 May 2017 — Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced…
Distribution
Kwesé TV signs distribution deals with Africa’s mobile operators for Kwese Play Roku box and mobile streaming – 40% of channels exclusive
1 June 2017
Econet-owned Kwesé TV is the new pan-continental broadcast challenger, offering Pay TV, Free-To-Air and online offerings. This week Russell Southwood spoke to CEO Joe Hundah about the Kwesé Play (with…
Distribution
Ethiopia’s INSA agency selects Eutelsat for new Ethiosat TV platform
1 June 2017
Addis Ababa, Paris, 10 May 2017 – One day ahead of the NexTV CEO event in Mauritius, Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Agency (INSA), in charge of the transformation of the…
Distribution
Karibu Soko Filam, the first film and TV market at ZIFF
1 June 2017
The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is celebrating its 20th year anniversary by introducing the first Film and TV market, SOKO FILAM where industry stakeholders will come together to buy…
Technology & Convergence
Quiptel partner with Verimatrix to launch an OTT service for West Africa
1 June 2017
Quiptel, a digital streaming B2B platform and Verimatrix the Pay TV protection provider signed a deal to create the first secure OTT service in West Africa. The service will be…
Technology & Convergence
In brief
1 June 2017
The assurance was given in Beijing, China on May 22, 2017, by Prof. Felix Zogo, Inspector General in the Ministry of Communication. Come 2018, Cameroonians will begin enjoying quality Digital…
Regulation & Policy
DStv unit to pay R180m fine for price fixing
1 June 2017
DStv Media Sales has been fined R180million for price fixing and the fixing of trading conditions in contravention of the Competition Act. The matter relates to a November 2011 investigation…
Regulation & Policy
ICASA holds meetings for free-to-air TV and radio licences
1 June 2017
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is holding workshops concerning free-to-air television broadcasting services and radio frequency spectrum for multiplexes. They follow the Invitation To Apply (ITA) published…
Investment
Rwanda gets Chinese grant to set up film and TV production facility
1 June 2017
The Rwandan broadcasting and creatives industries will soon have access to modern production facilities in the country, thanks to a $7 million (about Rwf6bn) Chinese grant. The dubbing and production…
Investment
Naspers Considers Sale of Africa Pay-TV Business
1 June 2017
Naspers Ltd. is considering the sale of its pay-TV business in Africa as sluggish economic expansion in key markets stifles growth and viewers switch to cheaper online alternatives, according to…
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Opportunities
1 June 2017
Loeries partner with Facebook for new student award In partnership with Facebook, Loeries Africa Middle East has introduced a new category within the Student Awards the Facebook Challenge. The Facebook…
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Events
1 June 2017
This event section provides a selection of major events in the audiovisual sector related to Africa and black culture: conferences, seminars, film festivals, trade shows. To advertise your event on this…
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People
1 June 2017
Women-led film – disrupting the status quo In what is called a resolute move to address the role of women in film, the Durban International Film Festival and the Durban…