Ecosystem Building - Focus On Film & Creative Industries

ScaleUp Africa is committed to the growth of entrepreneurship ecosystems in the creative industry and through our #CreativeAfrica strategy and Youth In Film project, we have been working to support entrepreneurs, policy makers and young creatives to lay the foundation for desirable, dignified jobs through Africa's stories, talent and creative content.

African Economic Development:?Creative Opportunities For Youth Jobs

The immense job creation potential of Film and the Creative industry for Africa's women and youth cannot be ignored and that's why we have been supporting ecosystem efforts in the space. We're pleased to share a little more about our recent work in the Sector.

We worked with Ghana's National Film Authority (NFA) to secure distribution for a cohort of Ghanaian Filmmakers to have their films show at VOX Cinemas in the United Arab Emirates - marketing African film in new markets. Kudos to the visionary, diligent and indefatigable CEO of the NFA, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante (Juliet Asante) and here's to more collaboration in 2023 to boost Film in Ghana while tackling the pillars of Talent, Skills, Infrastructure, Standards and Business Capacity. Following the work of other creative industry creators like Obinna Okerekeocha Kuukua Eshun Anita Erskine, MCM Parminder Vir OBE Moky Makura Ameyaw Debrah , it's clear to see the immense power of storytelling and the opportunity that Film industry presents to young creatives.

ScaleUp Africa also worked with creative sector entrepreneurs like Eyram Tawia of #LetiArts , for example, to develop over 100 Youth and Women in Film, Animation and Fashion with Technical, Business, Digital Skills Training as well as mentorship. ScaleUp Africa shared its CreativeAfrica strategy and worked with a cohort of young African Diaspora film makers for the 2022 edition of Black Star Film Festival in Ghana where they benefited from special screening events, training, and expert workshops.

We're particularly proud to have delivered our Youth In Film incubator, where we supported a cohort of Young, African Film School Graduates from the US, UK, France, Nigeria, Ghana and the Netherlands through a number of skills development sessions covering the Business of Film In Africa: Market Research, Practical Conceptualization, Minimum Viable Product Development, Scripting and Mentorship from African Diaspora film industry experts - creatives behind and involved in films such as - ‘Queen of Glory', ‘Woman King’ and #IdrisElba ’s ‘Beasts of No Nation’. #africandiaspora #diasporaengagement

Our top cohort members are now being supported to develop a documentary for distribution on international streaming platforms so watch this space! We'd welcome any support or input from those in the Film industry and global organisations interested in supporting the next generation of African Creators and ScaleUp Africa on its on Youth In Film project or CreativeAfrica - feel free to send me a DM or Tag someone you know that can support our efforts.

Finally, I'd like to give a special shout out to our talented Production Assistant, a recent Film Graduate herself, Giorgia R. for your diligence and hardwork on the Youth In Film project.

Looking forward to deepening our strategic partnerships this year. Onwards!