African Cinema in a Global Age

The book explores how African films have evolved from the 1990s to the present, shifting from social or political messages to entertainment movies and auteur cinema. It highlights critical films that mark this trajectory, projecting a new sense of African film spaces and temporalities and highlighting how African films continue to find independent pathways.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating evolution of African films from the 1990s to the present, charting their journey within the broader context of what is known as 'World Cinema' and eventually evolving into 'Global Cinema.' Kenneth W. Harrow takes readers on a captivating exploration of how African cinema has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, driven by the introduction of video and digital technologies in the 1990s and the subsequent rise of streaming platforms in the 2010s and 2020s.

Harrow highlights how the introduction of Nollywood, Africa's first successful commercial cinema, marked a significant shift in the focus of African films. While earlier films were often driven by social or political messages, Nollywood shifted the emphasis towards entertainment movies, yet it also paved the way for the emergence of auteur cinema. This transformation not only liberated African filmmakers but also resulted in an incredible flow of creative, inventive, and thoughtful filmmaking that continues to thrive today.

The book presents a selection of critical films that exemplify this trajectory, offering a fresh perspective on African film spaces and temporalities. It showcases how African films continue to find their own independent pathways, defying conventional narratives and exploring unique themes and perspectives.

This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of African cinema and world cinema, as well as researchers interested in exploring the intricate relationship between African cinemas and globalization. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the past, present, and future of African films, shedding light on their contributions to global cinema and their potential for continued growth and innovation.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032502526