RETROSPECTIVE
CINEMA OF AFRICA
African cinema refers to the history and present of filmmaking and film screening on the African continent, as well as the people involved in it. African cinema has been around since the early 20th century, when film reels were the primary technology used. Some notable aspects of African cinema include: Political tool During the independence era, filmmakers used cinema as a political tool to reclaim Africa's image for Africans. Social issues African films often focus on social problems, personal concerns, and cultural issues that are not typically covered in Hollywood films or newscasts. Nollywood The introduction of Nollywood, Africa's first successful commercial cinema, shifted the focus of African films from social and political messages to entertainment. Volume Over 5,000 films are produced in Africa each year.