The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) has partnered with Majestic Cinemas in Ivory Coast to transform film distribution across West Africa, breaking down language barriers and encouraging stronger cross-cultural collaboration.
The initiative seeks to connect the Anglophone and Francophone African film markets, with a focus on authentic storytelling and empowering independent filmmakers. As Africa’s creative economy expands, English-speaking filmmakers are targeting new audiences in Francophone West Africa, while also opening their markets to French-language films.
This strategic collaboration will promote the cross-distribution of English-language African films in Francophone territories, beginning with Ivory Coast. At the same time, French-language African films will gain exposure in English-speaking regions, creating a two-way cultural exchange.
Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, Founder of BSIFF, described the partnership as both bold and timely.
“This is not just a distribution deal. It is a cultural bridge,” she noted. “For too long, African filmmakers have been separated by language and colonial legacy. With this partnership, we are building a new model of collaboration—one that respects local identities while strengthening pan-African unity through cinema.”
Earlier this year, BSIFF announced the celebration of its 10th anniversary, a milestone for both the festival and the Ghanaian film industry. To mark the occasion, filmmakers from Ghana, across Africa, and around the world were invited to submit entries for the upcoming edition via the festival’s website or FilmFreeway.
In July, BSIFF appointed Owusu Ansah Castro Sarpong as its new Festival Director—the first male to occupy the role since the festival’s inception.
Over the years, BSIFF has inspired the creation of other film festivals in Ghana and has provided platforms for countless films and filmmakers, enabling them to reach diverse audiences and secure distribution opportunities.