NOS multi-screen operation in Mozambique trades close to 100% occupancy
Africa
946,363
Middle East
85,686
Asia
58,294
51,254
Europe
19,177
8,423
North America
Latin America
H E A D O F P O P U L AT I O N P E R S C R E E N S G L O B A L LY :
1 in 10 children born by 2050 will be Nigerian, going by current trends
Africa: Infrastructure Rob Arthur explains why most markets in which cinema is underrepresented — notably Africa — are far from the unsophisticated territories many envision. In these markets, cinema will often see the latest technology deployed from the outset — not the upgrade path experienced elsewhere.
W
HEN ORGANISING A conference or
A conference to represent a community
event, there are always memorable or
Later this year, the Emerging Cinema Markets conference
ground-breaking opportunities. The
(19-21 November, www.ecm19.com) will focus on the
first ECM Conference, held in Istanbul
continent of Africa, Turkey (our host nation) and New Europe
in late 2018 aimed to deliver a
(the Balkans and former Soviet states), Central Asia and the
conference that would enable debate,
Gulf Cooperation Council states. In combination, these
discussion and insights into markets never previously
states present a market opportunity of 1.7billion people
showcased at international film and cinema trade events.
currently served by just 6,850 active
Some have referred to them as “the underdogs”, but that’s missing a key global issue: 70% of worldwide economic growth is forecast in emerging markets.
Booming populations and prosperity The growth in the middle class and urbanisation is taking place at a fast pace; with population growth occurring as a result of longer life expectancy and improved quality of life.
“Africa accounts for around 16% of the Earth’s population, but a nominal amount of the global box office”
cinema screens. Our aim at the ECM conference is to spotlight market opportunities and discuss the positives and challenges to market entry. Film and cinema development cannot work in isolation from other cultural, country or regional factors. Cinema in emerging markets
Some already large cities in Africa are expected to increase
needs support to overcome significant barriers, which are
their population by up to 80% by 2025, with 10 cities alone
generally not discussed at other industry gatherings —
contributing more than US$50billion per annum to the
including investment and development funding and
world’s economy. How about some perspective in the
setting up a territory or company for growth.
context of emerging markets? That’s approximately the
The conference is turning into a community whose aim
equivalent to the total gross domestic product of countries
is to share common goals; develop cinema infrastructure;
such as Serbia, Azerbaijan or Uzbekistan.
and enable growth in each market. #ECMIstanbul aims to
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www.cinematech.today
31/07/2019 12:06
