Golden age is dawning for African films, says Ben Amadasun of Netflix
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Nigerian Ben Amadasun is responsible for the rapidly increasing African content on the world’s biggest streaming platform, Netflix. In conversation with
Anver Versi, he explains how the system works and why this is the much-longed-for turning point for African filmmaking.
“I believe this is the beginning of a golden age for African films,” says Ben Amadasun on a Zoom call, the enthusiasm in his voice easily overcoming the long-distancing imposed on us due to the pandemic.
Ben is the Netflix Director of Content for Africa. He tells me his role is to track down “brilliant” local content from various African markets and acquire licences to run them on Netflix, which is today easily the biggest and most varied streaming service.
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There s more global interest than ever in African cinema From Netflix to film festivals, local series and movies are doing us proud on the world stage, but the industry still faces tough challenges A still from Wanuri Kahiu s 2018 Kenyan feature Rafiki . Image: Big World Cinema
Despite the magic of Hollywood, there s something uplifting about watching a local movie or a television series that portrays familiar elements. Someone who talks with the same accent as you or uses a splash of local humour in a passing conversation. A shot of the city skyline you drive past on your way to work every day or a glimpse of Table Mountain as the production team works the iconic landmark into well-planned shots these are things that validate your personal experiences.