Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Lights, Camera, Cape Town! South Africa’s World-Class Film Industry (By Themba Khumalo)

Published

3 years ago

on

Themba Khumalo

South Africa’s cost-effective production rates, exceptional creative talent and unbeatably diverse filming locations have made it a top choice for production companies around the globe

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 7, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By Themba Khumalo – Acting CEO, South African Tourism (www.SouthAfrica.net)  

At first glance the dystopian tech horror Black Mirror, the 2022 film The Woman King, and the feel-good Netflix teen Rom-Com The Kissing Booth don’t appear to have much in common. They’re so generically distant that one might not guess their commonality at all. Unless viewers recognise the incredible backdrops of cityscapes, rolling hills and tropical shores – all belonging to various regions across South Africa.

The country has already seen blockbuster hits like The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Invictus play out on its streets and in its stadiums

South Africa’s cost-effective production rates, exceptional creative talent and unbeatably diverse filming locations have made it a top choice for production companies around the globe. The country has already seen blockbuster hits like The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Invictus play out on its streets and in its stadiums. But, apart from a flurry of international films, South Africa already has a well-established film industry. Recently UNESCO announced South African filmmaker Gcobisa Yako as one of the winners of its first ever ‘African Folktales Reimagined’ short film competition – a prominent accolade as only six winners were selected from the African continent. Winners will receive funding from Netflix to produce a short film which will be screened on the platform at the end of 2022. This is just one of many examples of South African film companies cementing their place in the international scene.

In a recent report titled The African Film Industry: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth’ details the significant contribution that the audiovisual and interactive media sub-sector has made to Cultural Creative Industries (CCIs). The report states that the South African film industry has “seen significant increase in local appeal and international recognition in recent years and which is the main drive of advertising revenues for broadcasters enjoyed one of the highest growth rates within the CCIs, at 5.2%”. Further, South Africa generates approximately $600-750m – with $220m coming from from foreign film production. Local figures further highlight the importance of the industry to South Africa’s economy as the figures for 2019/2020 list a projected R3,86 billion contribution.

So where is the action concentrated? While the country’s diverse, natural locations are often home to international film sets, most of the prominent South African players in the film industry are located in the key cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, with the latter being a particularly popular choice. Cape Town Film Studios is a prime example of a production company that attracts internernational attention. Located just outside the city on the aptly-named Film City Boulevard, Cape Town Film Studios is “the first custom-built high-tech film studio complex of its kind in Africa, with state-of-the-art support services.” With multiple stages and studios, a “multi-themed world” and an American 1950s Motel Set listed among its facilities, the studio’s offerings are varied. This was also the location of the popular Starz series Black Sails, a multi-award winning prequel series to the Robert Louis Stevenson (https://bit.ly/3FOzUvu) novel Treasure Island.

Although South Africa’s film industry has long been a popular choice for those in the know, a recent boom in international attention has further highlighted its benefits on the world stage. Unbeatable settings, state-of the art facilities, and cost-effective production are just a few of the benefits on offer. As the South African film industry continues to grow, don’t be surprised if you spot a few famous faces on the streets of SA’s big cities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Tourism.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

Continue Reading

Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

Continue Reading

Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Continue Reading

Trending