Beyond the World Cup: How African Filmmakers Are Redefining Global Cinema
There’s something profoundly inspiring about filmmakers who don’t just create art—they build ecosystems. That’s the first thought that struck me when I delved into the stories of the producers participating in the 2026 Locarno Open Doors program. This isn’t just about making movies; it’s about reshaping industries, challenging narratives, and carving out spaces where creativity can thrive against all odds.
Take Natasha Craveiro from Cabo Verde, for instance. When most people hear ‘Cabo Verde,’ they think of the FIFA World Cup. But Craveiro is determined to shift that narrative. ‘We have football, but we do have cinema too,’ she says. What makes this particularly fascinating is how she’s using her platform to highlight the country’s environmental concerns and post-colonial traumas. Her hybrid features aren’t just stories—they’re calls to action. Personally, I think this is where cinema becomes a mirror to society, reflecting not just what is, but what could be.
Then there’s Tapiwa Chipfupa from Zimbabwe, whose supernatural thriller defies patriarchy and tradition. What many people don’t realize is that projects like hers aren’t just about entertainment; they’re about empowerment. Chipfupa isn’t just a filmmaker—she’s a catalyst for change, launching initiatives like a producers’ lab and a program for young women in film. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the kind of grassroots movement that could transform an entire industry.
And let’s not forget Adja Mariam Mahre Soro from the Ivory Coast, whose animation studio is breaking new ground. Animation from Africa for a global audience? That’s not just innovative—it’s revolutionary. Soro’s work challenges the stereotype that African cinema is limited to certain genres or formats. What this really suggests is that creativity knows no boundaries, and when given the right tools, it can flourish in unexpected ways.
What ties these filmmakers together is their entrepreneurial spirit. As Yanis Gaye, head of studies at Open Doors, points out, African producers are often more like social entrepreneurs, juggling multiple verticals to build sustainable careers. This raises a deeper question: What can the global film industry learn from their resilience and innovation?
One thing that immediately stands out is their focus on ecosystem-building. Craveiro’s Cine Club project, Chipfupa’s producers’ lab, and Soro’s animation school pilot aren’t just side projects—they’re foundational work. They understand that a thriving film industry requires more than just talent; it needs infrastructure, education, and collaboration.
From my perspective, this is where the real magic happens. It’s not just about the films they’re making today; it’s about the doors they’re opening for future generations. And that’s what makes the Locarno Open Doors program so vital. It’s not just a platform for showcasing talent—it’s a launchpad for transformation.
As I reflect on these stories, I can’t help but wonder: What would global cinema look like if more filmmakers approached their craft with this kind of vision? Personally, I think we’d see a more diverse, dynamic, and meaningful art form. These producers aren’t just telling stories—they’re rewriting the rules. And that, in my opinion, is the most exciting thing about cinema today.
