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Abidjan’s rising role: SICA paves the way for African audiovisual innovation
The Salon International du Contenu Audiovisuel d’Abidjan (SICA) is quickly becoming a pivotal event in the audiovisual sector, uniting creative visionaries and industry leaders. This year’s edition, running from November 5-7 in Ivory Coast, gathers notable figures such as Alex Berger, Kunle Afolayan, and Sydney Gallonde. These industry titans are set to enrich the event with their insights and expertise, guiding the conversation towards a new era of African cinema and TV.
Setting the stage for Africa’s audiovisual future
SICA 2023 marks its second year with an ambitious agenda to elevate Abidjan as the central hub for film and television in French-speaking Africa. This initiative by the Ivorian Ministry of Communication aims to foster an environment where innovative and diversified content can thrive. By positioning Abidjan as a strategic platform for the promotion, development, and distribution of both African and international audiovisual content, SICA seeks to transform the local industry landscape significantly.
Industry leaders headlining the event
This year’s event features a stellar lineup of speakers and guests. Alex Berger, known for his work on the internationally acclaimed TV series The Bureau, is set to share his extensive experience in producing top-tier content. His insights into the production process and tips on creating engaging narratives will be invaluable to attendees.
Kunle Afolayan, a prolific filmmaker from Nigeria, known for his recent hit Aníkúlápó, brings a wealth of knowledge about the burgeoning Nigerian film industry. A pioneer in striking a multi-title deal with Netflix, Afolayan’s perspective on global streaming trends and their impacts on African cinema will be a highlight of the event.
Sydney Gallonde from Make it Happens Studios, renowned for producing the adaptation of No Second Chance by Harlan Coben, will kickstart the SICA with a keynote address, setting the tone for three days of fruitful discussions and collaborations.
A dynamic agenda for a transformative event
More than 250 industry professionals, including producers, distributors, broadcasters, and investors from 15 different countries, will converge for SICA 2023. The event’s agenda is packed with meetings, masterclasses, panel discussions, and keynote speeches designed to foster the development of an ecosystem to support the financing, production, and distribution of multi-platform content from the region.
Key sessions will unfold at Abidjan’s Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, while the general public will enjoy film screenings at three satellite venues in Yopougon, Abobo, and Port-Bouët. A full day is set aside to acquaint guests with potential shooting locations in and around Abidjan, highlighting the city’s suitability for film production.
Inspiring innovation and diversity
Themed “Innovation, diversity, and financing in the audiovisual sector: Solutions for a new era of content in Africa,” the event underscores a broader vision to boost the content industry in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. It fosters dialogue and cooperation between professionals from various countries, aimed at pushing boundaries and exploring new content creation avenues.
The Ivorian government’s robust support, including the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, and the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, underscores the national commitment to making the Ivory Coast an attractive destination for film and TV production.
Bridging African and international content
This year, SICA offers a unique opportunity for African creators to showcase their work and find new avenues for distribution. By inviting international guests like Izzet Pinto, the CEO of Turkish sales company Global Agency, known for the global success of Magnificent Century, the event ensures a rich cross-pollination of ideas and business models.
Attendees will benefit from sessions on the latest trends in audiovisual content, covering everything from the intricacies of high-budget production to innovative financing solutions and trends in audience engagement. These discussions aim to create a sustainable ecosystem capable of nurturing talent and producing world-class content.
Strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities
With the primary mission of pushing the African audiovisual industry onto the global stage, SICA 2023 facilitates strengthened ties between African and international partners. This synergy is crucial in ensuring that African stories reach a broader audience while also bringing international best practices home.
As the event closes, the promise is to not only highlight Abidjan’s potential as a production hub but also to inspire local creators to push the boundaries of their craft. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, SICA aims to kindle a renaissance in African cinema and television.
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