The Film Festival Cologne, celebrating its 35th edition from October 9 to 16, will this year launch a groundbreaking new event: the Africa XChange Summit, a platform dedicated to the emerging African creative and film industries.
Organized by Rushlake Media in partnership with Die Gesellschaft DGS and supported by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW (Film and Media Foundation NRW), the summit will explore the future of Africa’s cultural and creative sectors under the themes of film funding, innovation, and technology.
The African film industry is one of the fastest-growing entertainment sectors in the world, particularly in countries such as Nigeria.
Around five million people are already employed across the film value chain on the continent, yet UNESCO estimates the sector could create up to 20 million jobs and generate $20 billion annually if fully developed.
“With the Africa XChange Summit, we want to offer African creatives a platform to showcase their talents and connect with a global audience,” said Philipp Hoffmann, Managing Director of Rushlake Media.
“It’s time to build an ecosystem that unlocks new opportunities and improves access to financing for African filmmakers. Our goal is to help bring authentic African voices to international platforms while promoting job creation in one of the most dynamic markets of the future.”
Based in Cologne and Nairobi, Rushlake Media operates a multi-platform network that distributes both African and international content globally.
The summit will convene leading representatives from organizations such as HEVA Fund, Ubongo, and Known Associates to discuss strategies for strengthening film financing and distribution across Africa.
The event will open on October 15 with the Nigerian feature film “My Father’s Shadow” by Akinola Davies Jr., the first Nigerian film ever selected for the Cannes International Film Festival’s official lineup.
The semi-autobiographical drama, set during Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, explores family, memory, and national identity through the eyes of two young brothers traveling with their father from the countryside to Lagos.
Another highlight will be a special conversation with Nigerian rapper and entrepreneur M.I. Abaga, who will share insights on how Africa’s creative community can drive transformation and social change.
Abaga, founder of the creative agency TASCK, advocates for investing in creative talent as a key engine for redefining Africa’s global narrative.
Walid Nakschbandi, Managing Director of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, said the event represents “a valuable platform that promotes dialogue, opens up new perspectives, and paves the way for creative collaborations between Africa and Europe.”
Curated by renowned British-Nigerian film curator Nadia Denton, the Africa XChange Summit will mark a major step toward strengthening intercontinental creative partnerships and positioning Africa at the center of global media innovation.
