For the second year running, Rwanda is set to host the regional Kigali Audio-Visual Forum that will bring together an estimated 500 stakeholders from the global film industry to discuss trends in the sector and available business opportunities.

The event, which will take place from the 27^th to 28^th of this month in Kigali, will also provide a platform for audiovisual professionals to network, share knowledge and develop business opportunities.

Last year’s forum was the first of its kind in the region and attracted over 300 delegates from over 20 countries across the world.

This year’s discussions will expound on topics such as producing exportable, authentic African content and helping up-and-coming African producers to initiate co-financing and cross-border content production of projects.

This year, the following speakers are expected;

–     Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Founder and CEO of Botho Emerging Markets Group – an investment advisory and strategy consulting firm working on redefining and redirecting Africa’s positioning among emerging markets;

–     Franck Priot, CEO and Founder of Ghost City and Ghost City Films holding, production companies that organize the filming of foreign productions, mainly from Asia in France.

–     Talitha Watkins, a Motion Picture Agent and Cultural Executive at leading entertainment and sports agency, Creative Artists Agency.

Delegates can also look forward to valuable and exciting workshops on pitching project ideas as well as deliberating on the development of public financing mechanisms for the film and media sector.

Commenting on this year’s forum, Ariella Kageruka, RDB’s Head of Tourism and Conservation said: “Building on the success of last year’s forum, Rwanda recognizes the Audio-Visual sector as one of the high potential sectors with a promising niche market for film tourism and culture development. We consider it as one of the key components for economic development mostly through job creation. This is why efforts such as organizing this forum are being made so that we can all address the current challenges and find solutions together.”

The Kigali Audio Visual Forum is being organized by the Rwanda Film Office in RDB together with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and a range of partners that include the Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, Canal Plus International, French Embassy to Rwanda, the European Union Delegation to Kigali and Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir.

Registrations to attend are open via: kaf.rw/registration