Zuku Hosts Film Makers Panel

Zuku hosted a Film Industry panel targeted towards leading and aspiring filmmakers, directors, producers, and distributors from all over the world attending the 15^th Zanzibar International Film Festival.

The panel whose theme was “Raising the bar on the Film Industry in Africa” sought to explore the respective roles and challenges of different stakeholders along the industry value chain ranging from investors, broadcasters, festivals and producers with the objective of providing workable solutions to the various challenges facing industry players in Africa. The panel was chaired by Firdoze Bulbulia and included notable speakers included Ayuko Babu an expert of African Cinema, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Chairman of ZIFF, and Hannelie Bekker from Zuku.

Commenting on the theme of the panel, Hannelie Bekker, who oversees 7 Zuku channels, said “ Zuku will play a critical role in raising the bar of African film industry because it provides a platform for filmmakers and producers to sell and show their content. In addition, Zuku is particularly interested in promoting local talent and content - this is the cornerstone of our investment and relationship with ZIFF. We need good films and series and documentaries, so we have a vested interest in seeing the industry thrive.”

Ayuko Babu, an authority in African film and a key contributor to the panel, emphasized the need for local filmmakers to organize themselves and work together to improve the standards of the film industry. In addition he emphasised the need to support and strengthen ZIFF. “Zanzibar is a desirable destination that everyone knows about and ZIFF has the potential to be as grand as other international festivals such as Cannes and Ouagadougou.” He also urged filmmakers to think carefully about their business models to ensure that they are profitable and they tell stories that matter to the world and reflect positively on themselves.

Representing the local industry players Farida Nyamachumbe talked passionately about the challenges she faced within the industry. This resonated strongly with other local producers who challenged the regulatory framework, investment community and distribution partners to do their part to support the industry. Despite the challenges the industry is faced, she expressed optimism in the growth of Bongo industry to become as popular as Nollywood and Hollywood in the west if all the relevant partners played a role.

The panel concluded on a positive note with Firdoze Bulbubia, encouraging everyone to come together and play their role in raising the bar in the local film industry..

The panel discussion was attended by filmmakers from Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, USA, Sweden  and Bongo film actors and directors from Tanzania.

Zuku, a leading pay TV network covering Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, has  committed to sponsoring ZiFF over a period of  10 years for a total of one million dollars.  The sponsorship is expected to provide much needed stability and support that will in turn contribute significantly towards improving the film industry, not only in Tanzania but the rest of Africa.

Zuku is Africa’s fastest growing home entertainment provider which offers a wide selection of entertainment channels covering news, sports, movies, documentaries and music. These include various 3^rd party channels such as BBC World News, MTV Base, Setanta Sports, Fox Entertainment and E! to name but a few. The provider also offers many of its own tailor-made channels such as Zuku Afrika, airing African content, Zuku Life, focusing on documentaries, and Zuku Sports, as well as a number of themed movie channels. The service is available via satellite throughout Tanzania.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

ABOUT WANANCHI

The Wananchi Group, established in 2007, is the leading provider of cable and internet services in Eastern Africa. Wananchi Group is positioned to become the premier media operator in the region.

Wananchi’s consumer brand, Zuku, offers the modern African consumer fresh, innovative and affordable options for entertainment and communication.

For more information contact:

Vata Nganda

Tel:  +254 736 436 157

Email: vata.ngada@ke.wananchi.com