Gatekeepers and Yes-men: The Silent Power Brokers of African Film

I used to think "gatekeepers" were just an excuse—something people blamed when things didn’t go their way. Every industry has them, or so I was told, but I believed talent and hard work would always win. I was wrong. The more I’ve watched how the film industry operates, the clearer it’s become: access isn’t just about skill, creativity, or even persistence. It’s about who lets you in. And in the age of streaming, where opportunities should be more open than ever, the same few hands still hold the keys. If we truly want the industry to grow, we need to have tough, uncomfortable conversations about the people standing at the gates and the ones nodding along in agreement.

The Filmmaker-Gatekeepers: Hoarding Access, Not Sharing It

In many African film industries—whether in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, or Ghana—access to major streamers like Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, and Canal+ is tightly controlled. While these platforms claim to support local storytelling, the reality is that a small group of filmmakers hold the keys to these opportunities. Rather than advocating for a more inclusive industry, some of these filmmakers prioritize their own circles, ensuring that only a select few get a chance to pitch, produce, or distribute their films.

Instead of pushing for bold, innovative, and culturally specific storytelling, these gatekeepers reinforce a narrow definition of what is "marketable." As a result, we see the same kinds of stories, produced by the same names, while newer voices struggle to be heard. A filmmaker in Zambia, Cameroon,Kenya or Uganda may have an incredible idea, but without the right connections, their work is unlikely to reach the major players.

Beyond controlling access, these gatekeeping filmmakers also serve as yes men to the very platforms they work with. Rather than negotiating for better deals or fighting for creative freedom, they accept every condition imposed by streamers—whether it’s budget constraints, rushed production schedules, or forced creative changes.

This obedience comes at a cost. Instead of challenging streamers to respect African storytelling, some filmmakers end up watering down their narratives to fit a global standard that may not resonate with local audiences. Authenticity is sacrificed for approval, and what could have been groundbreaking African films turn into generic content that could be set anywhere in the world. Now we are stuck with something that looks like it's for us but is very foreign.

Moreover, when new filmmakers struggle to break into the industry, these gatekeepers often remain silent or dismiss their struggles, claiming, “That’s just how things work.” Rather than fighting for a system that benefits everyone, they protect the exclusivity that benefits them.

This double standard—where gatekeepers secure opportunities for themselves while blindly following the demands of streamers—leads to two major problems. First, it creates an industry where talented African filmmakers are left out, not because their work lacks quality, but because they don’t have the right connections. Second, it results in films that, while polished, lack the cultural depth and storytelling boldness that African cinema is capable of delivering.

If filmmakers do not challenge this system, the industry will become an echo chamber, where the same names produce the same kinds of films, leaving audiences with repetitive and uninspired stories. Worse still, it sends the message that to succeed in African cinema, one must conform rather than create. And that, that is just sad!

Breaking the Cycle: What Needs to Change?

Streaming platforms have the power to shape the future of African cinema, but that future must be built on authentic storytelling, not just a narrow idea of "what the audience wants." Filmmakers deserve the chance to tell bold, original stories without being forced into formulas that dilute their creativity. Fair budgets are essential—great stories need the right resources to be told well. A poorly funded production limits everything: casting, set design, cinematography, and post-production, ultimately affecting the quality of the final product. Investing in filmmakers isn’t just about funding a project; it’s about building a sustainable industry where great storytelling thrives. Instead of limiting creative freedom, streamers should empower filmmakers to take risks, push boundaries, and truly represent the diverse narratives that African audiences—and the world—are hungry for.

For African cinema to truly thrive, the culture of gatekeeping and blind loyalty to streamers must end. Filmmakers who have gained access must recognize that their success carries responsibility. Instead of hoarding opportunities, they should advocate for emerging voices, mentor new talent, and push for fairer industry practices. At the same time, independent filmmakers across Africa must seek alternative ways to distribute and promote their work, whether through regional streaming platforms, community cinemas, or film festivals that champion authentic African storytelling. The more filmmakers challenge the status quo, the harder it becomes for gatekeepers and yes men to maintain their control.

African cinema should not be dictated by a handful of individuals who prioritize their own interests over the industry’s growth. True progress requires a film culture where opportunities are shared, diversity is celebrated, and filmmakers are unafraid to challenge the platforms that claim to support them. Stories are the soul of our continent, and if we allow them to be controlled by a select few, we risk losing the richness and originality that make African cinema unique. Some tough conversations need to happen in certain boardrooms.

So are you a yes-man? Are you willing to challenge the status quo? Where do you stand filmmaker?

Signing out,

Gloria Nkatha,

Film critic and social media strategist.