The organisers of the ASWAD Film Festival say plans are underway to showcase the Black American, European and African $50billon film market and amplify the black voices in cinema.
Chukwuma Njoku, Chairman of ASWAD Film Festival, said this in a statement, on Friday, in Lagos.
Njoku, who is also an African technology and entertainment entrepreneur, said that the maiden edition of the festival is slated to hold in Dubai from January 24 to January 26, 2025.
He noted that the festival aimed to showcase the richness and diversity of storytelling in Black American, European, and African cinema.
According to him, this will be done through a programme that included screenings of 12 films, industry roundtables, panels, workshops and networking events.
Njoku said “Aswad is not just a film festival; it’s a celebration of our stories and our culture. We aim to create a platform that amplifies Black voices in cinema while fostering connections within the industry.
“The Black American, European, and African film industries are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s time we had a world-class festival to showcase our talents.”
According to him, ASWAD will focus on four key pillars: creative and commercial sustainability; cross-continent and global connectedness; reasserting African control of their own stories in the new anti-DEI world, and the celebration of Black excellence.
He said these pillars underscored the festival’s commitment to not only showcasing Black American, European, and African cinema but also empowering filmmakers and industry professionals to thrive in the global marketplace.
He noted that a recent data underscored the festival’s relevance in today’s entertainment landscape.
He said it was revealed that in the United States, films with casts that were 31per cent to 40 per cent people of colour were the most successful at the box office in 2023.
He explained that there was still work to be done as Black actors play only 11 per cent of leading film roles, despite making up 13.4 per cent of the US population.
“With ASWAD, we’re creating a space where filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers can come together to celebrate and elevate black voices in storytelling.
“We’re not just showcasing films; we’re building bridges and opening doors for collaboration on a global scale.
“At the festival, attendees can look forward to live music performances, a glamorous red carpet event, and a gala dinner, culminating in an exclusive yacht excursion.
“As we embark on this journey with Aswad, we are not only celebrating black voices but also paving the way for future generations of storytellers.
“This is more than just a festival; it’s a movement that invites everyone to be part of something truly special,” he said.