Essay on Movie industry in Africa

The development of the movie industry in Africa was vulnerable to the impact of local cultural environment and western trends. On the one hand, the movie industry in Africa developed slowly until the late 20^th century and focused on local issues, which were interesting for the local audience. On the other hand, by the late 20^th century the use of new technologies and the focus on the international audience became key trends in the development of the movie industry in Africa and Nollywood as the flagman of African movie industry.

In fact, the development of the movie industry in Africa was slow because of high costs of production, low technological development, under-developed network of cinemas and other issues that prevented the fast development of movie industry in Africa. The development of the movie industry was vulnerable to the impact of the colonial past of Africa, because many films were censored to depict the white supremacy. This trend persisted for a long time in the African movie industry.

It is only by the late 20^th century, the movie industry in Africa has started booming and its progress persists today. The fast development of the movie industry was the result of the introduction of new technologies that made movie making cheaper. The main feature of the contemporary films is the orientation on the international audience. Many films are shot in English, which is a vehicle language for many African countries that allows African movies enter international market. Many films focus on moral issues that are relevant in contemporary Africa.

Thus, the movie industry of Africa was vulnerable to the impact of western and local cultures. Today, the African industry still focuses on international markets and uses English as a vehicle language but the main themes of the films reveal the actual life of Africa.