Broadcast Content Across Borders

Africast to hold October 24 in Lagos despite change in leadership at NBC

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has assured that despite a change in the headship of the commission, it was ready to host the 2023 edition of AFRICAST, an event that promises to use it drive latest technology trends and innovations in the broadcast ecosystem. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Thursday approved the appointment of a new Director General for the NBC.

Mr. Charles Ebuebu was appointed to replace Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, who was at the head of planning for the conference. With the appointment being with immediate effect, the new DG, Ebuebu, is expected to superintend the conference, which provides a platform for analyses and reviews of Africa’s broadcast perspective in relation to international best practices and standards. AFRICAST will hold October 24 to 26, 2023 with the theme: Broadcast Content: Synergy, Finance and Market. The event will feature a diverse range of sessions, exhibitions and interactive experiences to cater to the interests and needs of attendees. Array of notable speakers, industry experts, and renowned figures have been positioned to share their expertise, experiences, and insights during the convention. In the interest of having a revitalized Africast, NBC has attracted two partners, Broadcast Media Africa, BMA and Nigerian International Film and TV Summit, NiFS. BMA’s role is to project Africa’s broadcast and media industry to the world and bring the world to our industry. While that of NiFS, is to provide a link between broadcasters and top-class content creators and push narratives towards how to create relevant contents that will bridge the gap between what the old generations want to watch and what the new generation are tilting towards.

Lagos to host 19th edition of AMAA
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his commitment to hosting the 19th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA). The continental film awards ceremony is billed to hold on Sunday, October 29, 2023, in Lagos. Recall that the governor had made the commitment to host AMAA for four years as a strategic partner after attending the 17th edition that held at the Marriot Hotel, GRA, Ikeja. Speaking on preparations ahead of the awards ceremony, the board of AMAA said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment, which he restated during the week was not only highly welcomed, but shows that he’s a man of his word. Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, who spoke on behalf of the board, said, “we are happy that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated his commitment towards hosting the AMAAs for the second year in a row. He is not only making true his promise last year but has also displayed the traits of a true leader. The strategic partnership between AMAA and Lagos state is exemplary. “The AMAA team has already been working with the ministry of culture and tourism for the execution of a successful awards ceremony.” The Chief Operating Officer, Tony Anih, and the awards ceremony’s content director/show producer, Kingsley James, unveiled some of the activities scheduled for the 2023 edition of AMAA. The activities include a pre-award nomination party for nominees and the award ceremony where AMAA diadems would be handed to winners of the 26 categories of the award.

AFRIFF unveils 2023 programme focused on indigenous content
The 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival is set to hold from November 5 to 11 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. With the theme, Indigenous 2.0 Global, AFRIFF aims to emphasise the importance of authenticity in connecting with a global audience. AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude, highlighted the potential for creatives to earn more globally, but emphasised the need for upskilling to become global players. The festival will include training sessions covering various aspects of filmmaking, makeup, art designing, and more. “If you don’t think global, you won’t go global. This edition of the festival stands out due to the heavy emphasis on our films leaving a mark on the global stage. In line with AFRIFF’s ethos of capacity building, creatives would be exposed to a series of trainings cutting across filmmaking, makeup, art designing and more. We need to understand international policies and laws to be able to sell our indigenous content globally,” Ude said, adding: “Whether you’re a make-up artiste, filmmaker or designer, you’re going to be earning in dollars, and invariably such earnings will boost our economy too.” In a related development, AFRIFF has partnered with MTN for the 12th edition. The collaboration aims to revolutionise the African film industry, opening up new avenues for filmmakers and creating opportunities for the promotion and distribution of indigenous content. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hosted a briefing to announce the AFRIFF programme at the State House in Marina, pledged support for the festival and the creative industry. U.S. Consul General, Mr. Will Stevens, as well as industry veterans, movie producers and Nollywood stars joined him. Through the partnership, AFRIFF and MTN aim to bridge the gap between talented African filmmakers and a wider audience. AFRIFF is widely recognised as the largest yearly film festival in Africa. With an impressive array of films submitted each year, the festival has become a beacon of creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange in the African film landscape.