African films are increasingly present at renowned festivals. They receive awards and prizes. However, very few of them are then visible and accessible in theaters. Faced with this, the Cinewax association takes things in hand.

Cinewax, an association that showcases African cinema

The association, born in 2014, has for main objective to make the cinema accessible to all. In particular: facilitate access to African films. For this, Cinewax works in Europe and Africa.

in France

Since 2015, the team of film buffs organizes events, film screenings and collaborates with other associations. All this helps to promote African films, on the one hand, and to create a link around African cultures, on the other hand. Indeed, these moments are highly marked by exchanges, benevolence and sharing.

in Africa

Paradoxically, African films are almost invisible on their continent of origin. Movie theatres are rare today. There are also few television broadcasts of these films. However, African moviegoers do not miss the call. Cinewax is actively present in Senegal. The association wants to develop a network of cinemas neighbourhood solidarity in Africa. Making culture accessible to all and enabling people to access jobs in the cultural sector motivates this project. Another positive aspect to note: generating vocations in cinema. Cinewax does not hesitate to organize and offer training workshops. The loop is thus buckled. Create dreams, create jobs and train future professionals.

The Cinewax Pass, a revolutionary idea

This is THE project launched this year by Cinewax. This pass, in the form of a subscription card, gives access to African films and cultural outings in Ile-de-France.

Why such a device?

How many African films do you watch at the cinema every year? The answer is certainly approaching 0. This is normal. In France, less than 1% of films coming out are African. While it is an active and flourishing industry on the continent. Just look at the dynamism of Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast or even South Africa, not to mention that of the Maghreb.

The goal is simple: to facilitate access to all these films that are broadcast in cinemas and at festivals. From a more militant point of view, this will highlight the public interest in African films. This is an argument often advance by distributors and movie theatres.

In addition, the Cinewax Pass also gives access to cultural products and services. Without a doubt, it is a great support for cultural entrepreneurs.

Once again, the association supports the local economy, this time in France.

How does this pass for African films work?

For the equivalent of two euros per month, you can benefit from discounted cinema tickets and offers from the partners of the pass. And for 7.5 euros, there are invitations to the premieres and a movie ticket offered every month.

To finance this project, Cinewax launched a crowdfunding campaign in March 2018. To date, more than 3800 euros have been raised. The association does not intend to stop there. It plans to reach 25,000 passes sold by the end of the year.

Behind these initiatives, we find Jean Fall the founder of Cinewax and his team. They are currently on the Croisette, at the Cannes Film Festival. Strategic place to promote their pass and certainly discover new nuggets.

Article by Christelle Kamanan
Translated from french to english by Gova-Media