Africa’s film, television, animation, fashion and music industries have gathered in Cape Town for the annual FAME Week Africa gathering from 1-7 September. With over 270 speakers, 90 content sessions and 30 live action pitches including Book-to-Screen pitches and animation pitches; it’s where the big deals are brokered that will determine what viewers will be seeing on their screens next. 

FAME Week sees 59 international companies and 48 African companies alongside the 23 South African exhibitors exhibiting at FAME Week. Countries represented include  Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Canada, Jamaica, USA, France, UAE, New Zealand, Belgium, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Germany, India, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, China and Mauritius. USA’s presenter, comedian and producer, Steve Harvey, will also be in town to headline the event on Monday, 2 September. 

FAME Week Africa super sponsor, Multichoice, will screen the African premiere of their new Showmax original The Fix, which was shot partially on location in FAME Week’s host city of Cape Town; a thriving hub for film and television production. 

Nigeria is this year’s country of honour and delegates will have a chance to learn more about the multi-billion Rand success story of the thriving Nollywood film industry and see the world premiere of The Farmer’s Bride from FilmOne, Nigeria – as well as two other Nollywood film screenings.  Also attending FAME Week, is Nollywood’s top costume designer, Yolanda Okereke, who will be speaking about the intersection of fashion and storytelling in creating distinctly African content. 

This year’s FAME Week has a new fashion focus with the first African Fashion Forum taking place – a platform for African fashion design (there will be eight fashion shows featuring African designers) and conversation and connection for those focused on the fashion ecosystem. Muziki Africa also makes a return for focused sessions that look at issues and opportunities for the music industry, particularly with reference to film. 

Women in entertainment are very much in focus with African Women in Entertainment Breakfast and multiple panels that focus on women in the industry. 

Another FAME Week first, is the inaugural Inclusive Lens Awards, supported by Urban Brew. Created to shine a spotlight on African content that celebrates diversity and representation, the Awards drew exceptional and inspiring entries. The finalists have been selected and the Awards will take place on Tuesday 3 September. 

Delegates will soak up the best of Cape Town with a film tour provided by WESGRO and plenty of nightlife fun, including the legendary eMedia FAME party. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience 31 short films from Africa and the diaspora for the FAME Week Shorts Festival, a public film festival taking place at the Labia Cinema from 4-7 September, more information can be found at fameshortsfilmfestival.com

Says FAME Week Africa’s Portfolio Director, Martin Hiller, “This is a bumper year for FAME Week Africa and we could not be more excited to see the energy and potential building around this event and the entertainment industry. Africa’s place in the global entertainment industry is rising and events like FAME Week Africa enable exclusive access to industry leaders and conversations that spark new work and contribute to the creative economy.” 

Delegates can still register for this year’s FAME Week Africa event at www.fameweekafrica.com