SHORT FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCERS AND FILM POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN ANGLOPHONE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
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A Publication of the Centre for Research, Communication and Development
Abstract
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This paper examines the interventionist role of independent short film producers and alternative film
foundations in film policy developments of Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa. The work is broadly located
within the framework of the debates about 'shapers' of film policy developments and covers only the last two
decades (1990-201 0). Empirical data are drawn from three countries: South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria. The
data are based on a study I conducted between 2011 and 2014. The study deploys mixed method approach
(oral interviews, participant observation, documentary studies, and questionnaire) in a qualitative way, to
enable data triangulation and comparative analysis. Jurgen Habermas and David SJzolle's configurations of
the public spheres concept are used to aid interpretation and analysis. The overall ambition is to critically
articulate and interpret the socio-political dynamics of film policymaking, reconceptualise film policy along
an 'ethical-political'framework to align with the vision of alternative cultural producers, as well as ascertain
the degree and platform of participation of short filmmakers in the film policymaking processes. The paper
argues in favour of greater academic and public recognition of the crucial role of /ow-budget film producers
as policy activists
Keywords
DT Africa, H Social Sciences (General)