Anakle Films Takes the Spotlight at MIP Africa ’24

Put together a room full of Africa’s boldest storytellers, producers, and enthusiasts, and what do you get? MIP Africa! 

It was a full house in Cape Town, and the energy in the room made you want to roll up your sleeves and go out to create something. 

MIP Africa is where the business of film meets the heart of African storytelling. Think panel talks, major pitches, and endless hallway conversations. Anakle Films came repping Naija with pride.

Anakle Films at MIP Africa

Every year during Fame Week Africa, big names that shape the film and television scene gather to share ideas, make deals, and offer candid insights. Anakle Films has a promise to push the African Narrative to new levels, so trust us to pull up at places like these where meaningful conversations are being had. 

Side note: We don’t want to brag, so we won’t mention that we sponsored a major session at Fame Week Africa, which is basically as important as bringing party jollof to the potluck, but okay.

Editi Effiong talks: creative investing:

With titles like The Black Book, Up North, and Day of Destiny, we have consistently sought out bold and original African stories. At MIP Africa, we got to have deeper conversations with global producers, distributors, and investors.

Our founder, Editi Effiong, led a session titled “Investing in Africa’s Creative Sector,” and it quickly became one of the significant event highlights. He reminded everyone that authentic African stories are not just for entertainment; they are also a means of preserving cultural heritage. They are valuable intellectual vehicles that drive home the vision we have for Africa.

He challenged the room to think long-term about financing, cross-border partnerships, and systems to grow the next wave of indigenous talent.

In his words: “African stories are valuable, and it is time to back them with capital, infrastructure, and global distribution.”

Mimi and Ashley Lighting the Room

Of course, our powerhouse women were right there, too. Co-founder and Head of Creative, Mimi Bartels, and General Manager, Ashley Opusunju, reminded everyone that women are not just part of the film conversation. They are pushing it.

Women from across Africa came together to talk about inclusive storytelling, building solid teams, and leaving an impact that goes way beyond the spotlight. The panel “Women Leading the Charge: Producers and Directors Shaping TV and Film” was one of those moments where you could feel the shift in the room. 

Mimi said, “Too often we focus only on the lights and camera while forgetting the decision makers behind the scenes.” She later shared the same thought on LinkedIn with her usual blend of honesty and insight. 

Building Beyond the Conference

MIP Africa 2024 may have wrapped up, but it gave us exactly what we hoped for. A chance to connect, collaborate, and lay the groundwork for future investments. We left Cape Town with exciting partnerships and plenty of ideas that will carry us forward.

The African film industry is growing fast, and moments like this show just how much things are changing. Storytellers here are not waiting for a seat at the table. They are building their own tables and chairs.

Until later, stay creative!