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Ivory Coast’s ambitious journey to lead African cinema
Ivory Coast is witnessing a cinematic awakening. Once overshadowed by Nigeria’s booming Nollywood, the country now aspires to become a central hub for African filmmaking. Backed by a wave of youthful energy and government initiatives, this West African nation is laying the groundwork to position itself as a creative powerhouse.
According to recent figures from the Ministry of Culture, around 30 films and TV shows were filmed in Ivory Coast last year. This year, another 39 projects have already been approved, highlighting a steady rise in local and international productions.
Local stories brought to life
The lush forests near Abidjan recently became the set of “The Will,” a light-hearted co-production between Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. In one scene, village elders gather under a sprawling tree to discuss the death of a wealthy cocoa farmer, as his children return home to fight over the inheritance.
Shaïdat Koulibaly, the film’s 31-year-old production manager, noted a clear trend: more young Ivorians are eager to enter the industry, both behind and in front of the camera. “The local film sector is really evolving,” she said. “A new generation wants to tell stories that reflect everyday life—stories that truly represent us.”
Burkinabé director Adama Rouamba added: “Today, we have people who can fully manage productions without always looking abroad for directors or producers.”
A young generation leads the way
Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is a remarkably young nation: around 75% of its population is under 35. This demographic shift brings fresh energy to the film sector. However, Koulibaly cautioned that private investors remain cautious, and while government support exists, securing funding is often a struggle.
“Ivory Coast cinema is slowly gaining credibility, but it still requires a lot of effort,” she explained.
Abidjan: a growing production hub
Since starting his career in 2022, French-Ivorian director Philippe Lacôte has filmed extensively in Abidjan. His latest work, “Clash,” explores the rivalry between stars of Coupé-Décalé, the city’s vibrant dance music scene, and musicians from Kinshasa in the DRC. Most of his team comes from Ivory Coast itself.
“This would have been impossible just a few years ago,” Lacôte reflected.
Ivory Coast’s government, led by Minister of Communication Amadou Coulibaly, has ambitious plans: specialized programs in schools to train local filmmakers, and an effort to establish the country as a continental audiovisual content hub. But challenges remain, especially the dominance of Western countries in shaping Africa’s media image.
Attracting international projects
Earlier this year, French-Ivorian filmmaker Jean-Pascal Zadi filmed part of his movie “The Great Exodus” in Ivory Coast. Similarly, “Eldorado,” a series produced by French-American producer Alex Berger, was shot in the dense Banco rainforest near Abidjan.
“It’s important for me to help develop Africa’s cultural industries,” Zadi explained. “We need to create our own stories and produce high-quality local content.” He described cinema as a form of “soft power” that allows African nations to shape their own narratives.
Comparing numbers with Nollywood
Despite recent growth, Ivory Coast’s film industry remains small next to Nollywood, Nigeria’s powerhouse. According to Adama Konkoubo from the National Cinema Office, about 20 Ivorian films are expected to be released this year—while Nollywood produces around 2,500 films annually.
Last year, Ivorian films accounted for about 10% of domestic screenings and just 6% of local box office revenue. In contrast, movies produced or co-produced by the US dominated with roughly 80% market share.
“What’s missing is a clear long-term vision from authorities,” said Lacôte. He expressed concern that the government’s focus on attracting foreign productions doesn’t always translate into sufficient funding for local filmmakers: “It creates jobs, but doesn’t necessarily develop national cinema.”
🏛️ New initiatives to support local talent
Minister Coulibaly emphasized political will to change this, mentioning a new funding mechanism for young Ivorian filmmakers expected soon. But other barriers remain, like the limited number of movie theaters in the country: only 15 cinemas currently operate, mostly in Abidjan.
Still, there’s hope. A new cinema is planned for Bouaké, in central Ivory Coast, and last year the French cinema chain Pathé opened a location in Abidjan, potentially expanding local audiences.
🎞️ Looking ahead: opportunities and challenges
The road to becoming Africa’s film hub won’t be easy, but the mix of youthful ambition, creative storytelling, and new infrastructure offers promise. Local filmmakers see cinema not only as an industry but as a cultural mission.
“The most important thing,” Koulibaly stressed, “is to tell our stories ourselves, in a way that our audiences—and the world—can watch and feel proud of.
