Film Africa embraces VOD, widening its global reach

Film Africa, London’s annual celebration of African cinema, is working with VOD platform Okiki to bring sixty of the best contemporary African titles to global audiences.

Film Africa OnDemand will present an exciting summer programme of the most popular films screened throughout the festival’s six year history, in partnership with London-based Africa-focused consultancy De Charles. Anyone with an iOS, Android or desktop device will be able to access the selected films on the Okiki App.

The first 10 titles launching the campaign are available now and include animated drama Adama, exploring West African nations’ involvement in WW1 and winner of Best Animated Feature Film at the European Film Awards 2015; three films from Nigerian cinema tycoon Kunle Afolayan, including October 1, The Figurine, Phone Swap; Children of the Mountain, winner of the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival Jury Award and the Film Africa 2016 Audience Award; and the first pidgin musical Coz ov Moni, directed by and starring the explosive Ghanaian musical duo Fokn Bois.

The campaign will introduce a broad audience to African and diaspora filmmakers telling #AfricanStories, sparking conversations about the continent’s past, present and future whilst showcasing its brilliant creative outputs.

Since its inception in 2011, Film Africa has screened 388 films, hosted 132 filmmakers and talent and welcomed live audiences of over 22,000 in select London cinemas. Film Africa OnDemand will enable viewers all over the world to enjoy an exclusive selection of 60 titles ahead of the festival this year, which will take place from Friday 27 October until Sunday 5 November.

Zeinab Badawi, Chair of The Royal African Society, said: “Africa’s rich culture and history has long gone untold in the global media, and platforms like Film Africa have been successful in bringing contemporary narratives from around the continent to diverse British audiences. The extended reach that this OnDemand initiative brings will further heighten knowledge and appreciation of some of the great talent in Africa whilst at the same time broadening perceptions of its people.”

Afua Hirsch, Sky News Education Editor and former West Africa correspondent for The Guardian, commented:
“African art has always inspired and led the world in creativity, innovation and talent. But there is now a new generation of literature, music, art and film that is changing the game. It’s the perfect time for quality and recognised platforms to connect this incredible work to the audiences who will value it. Initiatives like Film Africa OnDemand are exactly the kind of space that can do African artists justice and I really look forward to watching the initiative grow.”

Miguel Ángel Rosales, Director of Gurumbé: Afro-Andalusian Memories, which had its UK Premiere at Film Africa 2016, said: “Having had my title in Film Africa 2016, I love the awareness and engagement the platform gives to passionate filmmakers telling different stories outside of the mainstream. I think Film Africa OnDemand will allow more audiences to engage with the richness that exists in other cultures, communities and lives.”

For more information contact Ndubuisi Kejeh, De Charles: nkejeh@decharles.com,

+44(0)7840 355434

Notes to Editors

About Film Africa: Film Africa is an annual London film festival celebrating the best African cinema from across the continent and diaspora brought to you by The Royal African Society. Established in 2011, every year Film Africa brings diverse London audiences a high quality and wide-ranging film programme accompanied by a vibrant series of events, including director Q&As, talks and discussions; professional workshops and master classes; school screenings and family activities; The Industry Forum; and Film Africa LIVE! music nights. Film Africa also recognises and supports new filmmaking talent through the Baobab Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. www.filmafrica.org.uk

Film Africa OnDemand Titles

The first 10 titles launching the campaign are listed below:

1. Adama, dir. Simon Rouby (France, 2015)

2. The Art of Ama Ata Aidoo, dir. Yaba Badoe (Ghana/UK, 2014)

3. Children of the Mountain, dir. Priscilla Anany (Ghana/USA, 2016)

4. Coz ov Moni 1, dir. King Luu (Ghana, 2012)

5. Coz ov Moni 2, dir. King Luu (Ghana, 2013)

6. Gurumbé: Afro-Andalusian Memories, Miguel Angel Rosales (Spain, 2016)

7. The Figurine, dir. Kunle Afolayan (Nigeria, 2011)

8. October 1, dir. Kunle Afolayan (Nigeria, 2014)

9. Phone Swap, dir. Kunle Afolayan (Nigeria, 2012)

10. The Witches of Gambaga, dir. Yaba Badoe (Ghana/UK, 2012)

About Okiki: Okiki is a movie streaming social app built for lovers of African film to connect with the growing diversity of mainstream and independent content, and the globally based talent by whom it is produced. It aims to become the home of the African story. Okiki’s founders initially targeted two industry issues when developing the platform: movie market piracy; and the lack of distribution options for early-stage filmmakers in Nigeria. However, seeing the burgeoning interest in African culture and film in the cosmopolitan cities of Europe and the US, Okiki is building partnerships to better attract, engage and bring original content to these new audiences. You can download Okiki on iOS, Android and desktop devices here.

About De Charles: De Charles, is a consulting firm based in London and Lagos, which builds digital and physical products and brand defining narratives for game-changing companies growing in Africa. Through its work it is committed to fusing impact and profits and bettering global perceptions of Africa. www.decharles.com