France and South Africa are exploring new opportunities to deepen cooperation in cinema, film and the broader creative industries, reaffirming the importance of cultural collaboration between the two countries.
On 7 September 2026, Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate for Francophonie of France, met with South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the French and South African film industries.
The meeting focused particularly on collaboration between France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) and South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
Strengthening Film Industry Partnerships
Discussions explored ways to develop the partnership between the CNC and NFVF while identifying new opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries’ cinema and audiovisual sectors.
The engagement highlights the shared potential for France and South Africa to expand collaboration across the creative economy, including film production, audiovisual development and opportunities for greater interaction between creative professionals and institutions.
By strengthening institutional links between the two countries, the partnership can contribute to creating new opportunities for filmmakers and other stakeholders in both the French and South African creative industries.
Meeting Held on the Sidelines of the Lumière Summit
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Lumière Summit, the first international summit dedicated to cinema and audiovisual arts, which was co-chaired by France and South Korea.
The summit brought together 220 leading figures from 54 countries, providing an important platform for international dialogue and cooperation on the future of cinema and the audiovisual sector.
For France and South Africa, the engagement provided an opportunity to build on existing cultural relations while examining practical avenues for bringing their respective film industries closer together.
Expanding France–South Africa Cultural Cooperation
The discussions between Minister Caroit and Minister McKenzie reflect the broader importance of cultural and creative industries within international cooperation.
Cinema serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a means of promoting cultural exchange, strengthening professional networks and creating economic opportunities.
The continued engagement between French and South African institutions therefore presents an opportunity to explore new partnerships, exchanges and collaborative initiatives that can support the growth and international visibility of both countries’ film industries.
France and South Africa will continue to explore what more can be achieved together in cinema and the creative industries, building on their shared commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation.
