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Showmax Shutdown Rocks African Cinema
9 Mar
Summary
- Record 700 film submissions received from nearly 100 countries.
- Canal+ shutters Showmax, Africa's largest homegrown streaming platform.
- South African film industry faces crisis due to rebate payment delays.
The eighth Joburg Film Festival concluded on Sunday, marking a significant increase in submissions from nearly 100 countries. However, the parallel industry event, JBX, was overshadowed by the abrupt announcement that Canal+, following its acquisition of MultiChoice, would cease operations of the Showmax streaming service. This decision has profoundly impacted producers, particularly in South Africa, where Showmax was a crucial distribution channel.
The South African film and television industry is in a critical state, exacerbated by ongoing protracted payment delays from the Department of Trade and Industry Corporation for its rebate system. Over 660 million rand ($40.4 million) remains unpaid, leading to a severe crisis and diminished investor confidence. Industry professionals are urging immediate government action to prevent further decline.
Canal+'s decision to shut down Showmax, despite significant investment in its relaunch, was reportedly driven by unacceptable losses and unachieved growth targets. The move has been described as devastating by industry insiders, effectively "decapitating the only African streamer" and leaving producers uncertain about future distribution avenues. This follows Prime Video's scaled-back ambitions on the continent.
Amidst these challenges, African filmmakers are exploring new avenues, including microdrama for mobile platforms and cross-border collaborations. The rise of microdrama presents an opportunity, with companies partnering with mobile operators and adapting content for local languages. The Joburg Film Festival also highlighted politically charged themes, underscoring the role of film in addressing complex global and local issues.
