The South African film and TV industry was left reeling this week after Canal+ made the sudden decision to shut down the homegrown streaming service Showmax. The news came as a shock to many in the industry, who had been anticipating changes since Canal+ acquired MultiChoice last year. There were concerns about cost-cutting measures and the future of Showmax, which had received significant funding for content creation.
Despite efforts to grow the platform and increase subscriber numbers, Showmax continued to incur losses. Canal+ CFO Amandine Ferre had previously stated that the platform’s losses were unacceptable, leading to speculation about its fate. The closure of Showmax was met with disappointment and frustration among industry professionals, who felt that it dealt a blow to African filmmakers and content creators.
The decision to shut down Showmax has left many wondering about Canal+’s streaming strategy in Africa moving forward. With Prime Video scaling back its operations in Africa and Netflix remaining committed but facing limited competition, there are concerns about the impact on African producers. The lack of options for local content creators is a significant challenge in an industry dominated by mergers and acquisitions.
The mood at the JBX Talks conference in Johannesburg was somber, with many expressing concern about the future of streaming in Africa. The loss of Showmax and other key players has left producers feeling uncertain about the future. However, there is hope that African filmmakers will adapt and find new opportunities in the changing landscape.
African filmmakers are known for their resilience and resourcefulness, and there were calls for unity and collaboration in the face of challenges. Despite the setbacks, there is optimism about the potential for technology to drive growth in the industry. The success of African creators like Khaby Lame, who leveraged social media to reach a global audience, is seen as an inspiration for others in the industry.
Companies like Both Worlds are exploring new avenues for content distribution, including partnerships with mobile operators. The rise of microdramas and vertical content presents a new opportunity for African creators to reach audiences and generate revenue. By learning from successful models in other markets, African filmmakers hope to navigate the changing landscape and continue to thrive in the industry. The African market is experiencing a shift in the entertainment industry, with streaming giant Viu introducing Korean microdramas dubbed in Indigenous South African languages like Zulu. Elouise Kelly, Viu’s country manager in South Africa, emphasized the importance of personalizing content for the local audience to seize the opportunity in the African market.
As the industry looks towards the future, there is a call for African filmmakers to innovate and embrace new formats and technologies. Brandt, a key player in the industry, believes that incorporating vertical formats and AI into production workflows could lead to a paradigm shift. By taking risks and exploring new storytelling techniques, filmmakers can tap into a gold mine of untapped potential and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Thandeka Zwana from Indigenous Film Distribution in South Africa encourages storytellers to adapt and think differently in a changing world. With evolving consumer preferences, it is essential to widen horizons and cater to new audience expectations. The key to success lies in understanding the shifting landscape and adapting storytelling techniques to resonate with viewers.
The Joburg Film Festival, scheduled to run from March 3 – 8 in Johannesburg, serves as a platform for showcasing diverse storytelling from African filmmakers. It is a celebration of creativity and innovation in the industry, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and talent present in the African film landscape.
In conclusion, the African entertainment industry is at a pivotal moment of transformation, with opportunities for storytellers to carve out their own unique narratives. By setting aside existing models and crafting original content that resonates with local audiences, African filmmakers can unlock the full potential of the market and establish a strong foothold in the global entertainment arena.
