At the International Salon for Audiovisual Content (SICA), a discussion on co-production models evolved into a significant event, culminating in the signing of a groundbreaking co-production treaty between the Ivory Coast and the French-speaking Walloon Region of Belgium. Industry leaders hailed this development as a crucial advancement in connecting African cinema with international markets.
“This signing represents much more than a diplomatic gesture,” stated Françoise Remarck, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Culture and La Francophonie. “It marks a pivotal moment in organising the Ivorian film industry and establishing robust partnerships with leading cultural nations.” The treaty, which originated during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, positions French-speaking Belgium alongside Morocco, Senegal, and France as significant co-production allies for Ivory Coast. As a result of the agreement, four projects have already secured funding, and Ivory Coast gains access to Belgium’s tax shelter system, advanced audiovisual resources, training initiatives, and a network of film festivals.
“Richness arises from exchange,” remarked Céline Ganseman, deputy head of mission at the Belgian Embassy in Abidjan. “To engage with Ivory Coast is to embrace its cultural vibrancy and creative potential. We aspire for this to foster situations that lead to mutual enrichment.”
Prior to the treaty’s formalisation, a panel titled “Inter-African and International Co-Productions and the Distribution of Works” highlighted the significance of such agreements in enhancing African audiovisual production, both within the continent and internationally. Moderated by Nigerian comedian and producer Mamane, the panel featured a diverse lineup of esteemed producers and filmmakers from Africa and Europe, including South African producer Dan Jawitz, Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako, French producer Axel Guyot, and Burkinabé director Dani Kouyaté. They explored what it takes to successfully execute international co-productions, discussing aspects like vision, infrastructure, training, and the realities on the ground.
“Cinema is all about relationships,” explained Sissako, known for his acclaimed film “Timbuktu.” “Finding the right collaborators makes everything easier. It’s not only about funding; it involves rhythm, belief, and a shared vision.”
He emphasised that a compelling script requires a dedicated producer and that governments need to cultivate a long-term cultural vision to genuinely support their creative industries.
“A nation lacking a positive vision cannot develop a production system,” Sissako continued. “Festivals, gatherings, and forums like this are what makes cinema viable. Without them, aspiring filmmakers can hardly even envision a future in cinema.”
Veteran producer Dan Jawitz shared insights on how South Africa, aided by ten co-production treaties and a rebate system that offers up to 35% reimbursement on qualifying production expenses, has become a favoured location for global studios, including Hollywood.
“They aren’t here because they’re fond of us,” he joked. “They come for the financing options. It boosts the economy and creates jobs.” Co-productions in South Africa with countries such as France, Canada, and the U.K. have led to international hits, including “The Woman King,” which Jawitz’s company, Known Associates, co-produced in Cape Town.
French producer Axel Guyot urged African nations to adopt tax credit policies that can compete on a global scale. “When a government lays out clear financial incentives for filming domestically, it provides a clear pathway for producers,” he noted. “Tax credits are impartial; they don’t evaluate your script, but they help circulate funds and build trust.”
Director Dani Kouyaté, known for “Katanga, The Scorpion Dance,” emphasised the necessity of training, particularly for long-term crew roles: “It’s not simply about technical expertise; it’s about cultivating the right mindset, which requires true dedication.” The panel discussion seamlessly transitioned into action with the official signing of the Ivory Coast-French-speaking Belgium co-production treaty that followed, as Mamane humorously remarked that the agreement served as “proof that conversations like these can yield tangible results.”
