At the 2025 edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), celebrated actor and filmmaker David Oyelowo joined founder Chioma Ude in a powerful conversation about leadership, storytelling, and the business of African creativity. The discussion captured how collaboration and consistency can transform Africa’s creative industry into a thriving global enterprise.
Oyelowo, known for his international roles and advocacy for Black excellence in film, described his journey as one driven by purpose and long-term vision. He emphasized that African creators must approach art with the same entrepreneurial spirit that drives successful global industries. According to him, creativity alone is not enough; structure, discipline, and collaboration are the real engines of sustainable growth.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: #Opinion: Africa Fuels the World, Yet Runs on Hope
“You can’t build an industry alone,” Oyelowo said. “Hollywood thrives because of collective effort. Everyone contributes to a shared vision. We must apply that mindset across Africa to storytelling, film financing, and creative business models.”
Chioma Ude, who founded AFRIFF to give African filmmakers a global platform, echoed Oyelowo’s sentiments. She described the festival as more than a showcase of films. It is an ecosystem built to empower creative entrepreneurs, inspire investors, and redefine the narrative of Africa’s cultural export. For her, building Africa’s creative economy requires both artistic excellence and a business mindset.
“AFRIFF isn’t just about movies,” Ude explained. “It’s about opportunity, connecting filmmakers to markets, partnerships, and global conversations. Africa’s creative industry can’t rely on inspiration alone; we must build systems that create value.”
Throughout the session, Oyelowo’s humility stood out. Despite his global achievements, he credited collaboration with Nigerian and African creators as one of his proudest experiences. He expressed admiration for AFRIFF’s progress and encouraged young creatives to see consistency as their strongest currency.
“Talent will open doors, but consistency keeps them open,” he said. “Don’t wait for permission to tell your stories. Build your craft, stay ready, and connect with others who share your vision.”
YOU CAN ALSO READ: TGIPay Launches in Nigeria, Sets Out to Redefine Africa’s Digital Payment Future
Both speakers painted a hopeful picture of the continent’s creative economy, one where film, fashion, and storytelling merge to drive tourism, investment, and global recognition. Their dialogue reflected the entrepreneurial heartbeat behind Africa’s growing entertainment sector and its potential to compete on the world stage.
AFRIFF 2025 stands as proof that with the right mix of leadership, vision, and collaboration, African creativity can become one of the continent’s strongest exports.
