The first annual Kigali Audiovisual Forum is set to take place at the Kigali Convention Center from 21-23, November 2018.

The first of its kind in the region, the three-day Kigali Audiovisual Forum is a platform that will bring together major players in the audiovisual sector as well as donors, students and financiers in order to discuss the trends in the sector, map out future business opportunities in the industry and provide networking opportunities for audiovisual professionals from across the globe.

The Forum will also focus on Africa ‘s ability to use technology in storytelling, the development and professionalization of audio-visual structures and industries as well as the development of professional skills in production and distribution. Furthermore, discussions will expound on producing exportable, authentic African content and helping budding continental producers to initiate co-financing, cross-border content production of projects.

In addition, delegates will be able to enjoy workshops on pitching for project ideas as well as deliberate on the development of public financing mechanisms for the film and media sector.

“I am delighted that we are hosting the first ever such audiovisual forum in the region. As the Rwanda Development Board, we believe that leveraging the storytelling abilities of our African youth can play a major role in changing negative global stereotypes of Africa. These stereotypes have impacted foreign investments on the continent and that is why I believe that supporting this forum will bear good fruit in the future. African audiovisual professionals have the talent. With this forum they will get the opportunity to learn best practices from the top professionals in the industry”, said Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board.

The Kigali Audio Visual Forum is organized by a range of partners including the Rwanda Devlopment Board, the Rwanda Convention Bureau, GIZ, European Union, The European Film Festival, French Embassy to Rwanda, CISAC, The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Pavillon Afriques and Rwanda’s national flag carrier, RwandAir.

“I am pleased that we have entered into collaboration with Rwanda Development Board for the implementation of RDB organized International Kigali Audiovisual Forum well as for organization of our European Film Festival in Kigali, Muhanga and Rubavu. Our cooperation on the implementation of the two events, which run in parallel this year, creates an opportunity for more dialogue about the role of culture in development and what Africa and Europe can achieve together in this area. I look forward to more similar initiatives in future”, said Head of Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda, Ambassador Nicola Bellomo

Key Speakers

The following speakers are among those expected to grace the Kigali Audiovisual Forum:

• Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board
• Giorgio Ficarelli, Head of Culture Sector, Directorate General for International development and Cooperation, European Commission.
• Matthijs Wouter Knol, Director, Berlinale European Film Market.
• Philipp Hoffmann, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Rushlake Media.
• Sarika Lakhani, Managing Partner & Producer, One Fine Day Films

The Programme

Media and the general public are encouraged to learn more about the KIGALI AUDIO-VISUAL FORUM, and be able to download the programme of the Forum by visiting www.kaf.rw