Freetown, Sierra Leone – The European Film Festival (EUFF) 2024 kicks off in style, offering a packed schedule of dynamic events, including the highly anticipated Movers and Shakers World Café. This innovative session, held at the Freetown City Council, brought together filmmakers, industry experts, and creatives to explore the power of collaboration, co-production, and cultural storytelling in African cinema.

The Movers and Shakers World Café, to be held on Friday, November 22, features a blend of Pecha Kucha presentations and interactive discussions. Renowned Ghanaian filmmaker Philippa Ama Bentuma Arthur and Namibian director Joel Haikali will share insights on international collaboration and co-production in African cinema.

“Diverse cultural perspectives enrich storytelling, expertise sharing enhances quality, pooling resources lowers costs, and access to broader markets fosters global reach, with collaborations driving knowledge exchange, innovation, and industry growth, are key to realizing Africa’s projected $20 billion film industry through improved funding, distribution, and training.” said Philippa Ama Bentuma Arthur

World Café discussions will explore themes such as funding cross-border productions, expanding global audiences for African cinema, and balancing technology with resource-conscious filmmaking. With women comprising at least 40% of participants, the event ensures inclusivity and representation in its conversations.

EUFF 2024, running until November 24, highlights the importance of storytelling in bridging cultures and promoting dialogue. The event aligns with the broader objectives of fostering creative exchanges and empowering filmmakers to share authentic African narratives with global audiences.