Film Africa, London’s annual celebration of African cinema, is working with VOD platform Okiki to bring sixty of the best contemporary African titles to global audiences. Film Africa OnDemand will present an exciting summer programme of the most popular films screened throughout the festival’s six year history, in partnership with London-based Africa-focused consultancy De Charles. Anyone with an iOS, Android or desktop device will be able to access the selected films on the Okiki App. The first 10 titles launching the campaign are available now and include animated drama Adama, exploring West African nations’ involvement in WW1 and winner of Best Animated Feature Film at the European Film Awards 2015; three films from Nigerian cinema tycoon Kunle Afolayan, including October 1, The Figurine, Phone Swap; Children of the Mountain, winner of the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival Jury Award and the Film Africa 2016 Audience Award; and the first pidgin musical Coz ov Moni, directed by and starring the explosive Ghanaian musical duo Fokn Bois. The campaign will introduce a broad audience to African and diaspora filmmakers telling #AfricanStories, sparking conversations about the continent’s past, present and future whilst showcasing its brilliant creative outputs. Since its inception in 2011, Film Africa has screened 388 films, hosted 132 filmmakers and talent and welcomed live audiences of over 22,000 in select London cinemas. Film Africa OnDemand will enable viewers all over the world to enjoy an exclusive selection of 60 titles ahead of the festival this year, which will take place from Friday 27 October until Sunday 5 November. Zeinab Badawi, Chair of The Royal African Society, said: “Africa’s rich culture and history has long gone untold in the global media, and platforms like Film Africa have been successful in bringing contemporary narratives from around the continent to diverse British audiences. The extended reach that this OnDemand initiative brings will further heighten knowledge and appreciation of some of the great talent in Africa whilst at the same time broadening perceptions of its people.” Afua Hirsch, Sky News Education Editor and former West Africa correspondent for The Guardian, commented: “African art has always inspired and led the world in creativity, innovation and talent. But there is now a new generation of literature, music, art and film that is changing the game. It’s the perfect time for quality and recognised platforms to connect this incredible work to the audiences who will value it. Initiatives like Film Africa OnDemand are exactly the kind of space that can do African artists justice and I really look forward to watching the initiative grow.” Miguel Ángel Rosales, Director of Gurumbé: Afro-Andalusian Memories, which had its UK Premiere at Film Africa 2016, said: “Having had my title in Film Africa 2016, I love the awareness and engagement the platform gives to passionate filmmakers telling different stories outside of the mainstream. I think Film Africa OnDemand will allow more audiences to engage with the richness that exists in other cultures, communities and lives.”

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