Funding still the biggest stumbling block to Africa’s movie industry - Multichoice Nigeria MD

The Managing Director of Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, has highlighted the key challenges facing Africa's movie industry, noting that funding, structure, and skills are still the biggest hurdles to overcome. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa from the red carpet of this year's Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards in Lagos, Ugbe discussed the critical issues impacting the growth and development of the African film sector. Ugbe emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the industry forward, stating that there are significant opportunities for collaboration between the government and private enterprises to support the growth of the sector. He pointed out that Africa has a wealth of untold stories and a pool of creative talent that can be leveraged to create captivating content for both local and international audiences. Multichoice is taking proactive steps to address these challenges through initiatives such as the Multichoice Talent Factory, which provides training in movie production, directing, and acting to young talents from across the continent. The program aims to nurture the next generation of African filmmakers and industry professionals. Ugbe also spoke about the need for a strong regulatory framework to combat piracy and protect intellectual property rights in the industry. He emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws and called for greater government intervention in this area to safeguard the interests of content creators and industry stakeholders. In terms of investment, Ugbe highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment that allows investors to see a clear return on their investment. He noted that as the industry matures and structures begin to solidify, investors are becoming more confident in contributing to the growth of the sector. Distribution platforms such as VSTV and Go TV, as well as channels like Africa Magic, are playing a crucial role in expanding the reach of African content and attracting investment. Ugbe also touched on the need for enhanced enforcement of anti-piracy measures and the promotion of cinema-going culture in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of supporting local filmmakers and providing them with opportunities to showcase their work on various platforms. Overall, Ugbe's insights underscore the immense potential of Africa's movie industry and the transformative impact it can have on the continent's economy and cultural landscape.