Netflix’s growing footprint in Africa has spotlighted African cinema, but at a cultural cost. While its arrival in Nigeria and Ghana sparked excitement, many filmmakers now face pressure to tailor their stories for global—primarily Western—audiences, risking authenticity and cultural depth. Films like Azali and Lionheart highlight how language, narrative, and identity can be compromised for international appeal. Though some filmmakers, like Funke Akindele and Omoni Oboli, are charting alternative paths by staying true to African audiences, the broader trend raises critical concerns about cultural sovereignty and representation. For instance, Azali featured non-Dagbanli speakers in major roles, even though it was set in a Dagbanli-speaking town. As Africa’s storytelling reaches a global stage, the challenge is clear: tell African stories for Africans, not just about them.
The Conversation