The film industry is both international and global in nature. There are various filmmaking associations all over the world that are attempting to help the film industry. In terms of both production and distribution, the United States dominates the industry.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is an American association that represents the country’s five main film studios, as well as Netflix, a video streaming service. Founded in 1922, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) was previously known as the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA). The organization’s initial goal was to ensure the viability of the American film industry. The MPA also created criteria for film content, leading to the development of the Motion Picture Production Code in 1930.
The Motion Picture Association represents the interests of six international film producers and distributors. To that end, they promote and protect these companies’ intellectual property rights, as well as run public awareness campaigns to educate moviegoers all over the world about the importance of content protection.
The organizations represent the Motion Picture Association’s members. They have a global presence, with headquarters in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as well as regional offices in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Canada. All of the hard work and pursuit of excellence in the industry is the reason why America is at the forefront of the film industry.
“Ethiopia has a socio-historical and natural environment that is conducive to filmmaking, thus there is a lot of untapped possibilities in the sector.”
When it comes to Ethiopia, the film industry is constantly striving for growth and improvement. The Ethiopian Filmmakers Association was established in 2001 E.C, and established with the goal of preserving film producers’ rights and needs, as well as improving Ethiopia’s film industries. Serawit Fikre, Tewodros Teshome, Thomas Getachew, Aster Bedane, and other professionals founded the association.
Binyam Alemayehu is currently serving as president of Ethiopian Filmmakers Association (EFIMA). He has a background in film production and has approximately ten years of experience in the film industry. He has taken a number of film industry training courses. He was one of the participants in the association’s filmmaking training, which was primarily aimed at building the capacity of film directors and actors.
Many core works have been completed since the association’s inception. One of the major projects completed is Ethiopian Cultural Policy Approval. Just before three years, activities were undertaken to make Ethiopian film policy a reality in addition to other relevant works, such as ensuring copyright, royalty fees, and skill development trainings and workshops.
The association also works with the cinemas to put the film industry in a better place. Copyright has been one of the biggest issues in the industry. The Ethiopian Filmmakers Association has been collaborating with Scientific Revolution Earth to address this issue (SRE). To address the issue of copyright, work has been done by building software and distributing the system in all cinemas across the country.
Ethiopia has a socio-historical and natural environment that is conducive to filmmaking, thus there is a lot of untapped possibilities in the sector. However, he says, “I do not believe the Ethiopian film industry is heading to the right path.”
“Since the inception of the film policy some three years back, the government has paid little attention to it. The first step should have been to establish rules, regulations, and financial structures. It could have benefited the industry’s growth slightly.”
Many Ethiopian film sectors have been known to be disregarded by the government and have not been able to expand as they should. This has an even greater influence on the film business. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism must pay close attention to this industry as a government representative. It must play its role in supporting the film industry.
Since the inception of the film policy some three years back, the government has paid little attention to it. The first step should have been to establish rules, regulations, and financial structures. It could have benefited the industry’s growth slightly. The Ethiopian Filmmaking Association has been closely working with the Ministry of Peace; however, no progress has been made in terms of policy implementation.
Undoubtedly, the film industry has immense potential to contribute significantly to the growth of the national economy. The film industry is made up of a diverse range of professionals who play a variety of roles. A single film’s crew can number up to 100 people. Each having different tasks. According to a recent survey, 120 movies are produced in Ethiopia each year if cinemas are considered.
If the perspective is viewed from a point other than the cinema platform, the figure may even double. This demonstrates how many professionals are involved in the business. It thus shows that the film business can have a significant impact on the economy. “The government must govern the film industry in proper law and order for it to be in a better place.” Says Mr. Binyam.
The fundamental aspect that can be done to avoid a lack of progress in the sector’s development is for the government to shift its emphasis to film policy. By implementing the policy, it will be able to solve at least 75% of the issue. The collaborative work of the film professionals themselves is another option for tackling the issue.
The Ethiopian Film Makers Association has a discipline framework in place for its members. Membership in the group benefits the film business in a variety of ways. When it comes to the discipline of the job in the sector, it may be resolved if concerned experts join the association and work together to overcome various challenges and move the film industry ahead. Here it’s worth mentioning that COVID 19 pandemic has its own impact on the film industry and the entertainment industry in general.
There was a time when it was rumored that movies were stolen and disseminated on the internet, resulting in financial loss and moral deterioration for filmmakers. This is due to certain anarchistic persons in the area of the cinema who did not obey the law. The suspected offenders are now being questioned by the law, and they are accepting responsibility for their misconduct. This has been a significant accomplishment in terms of addressing the issue of theft in the film industry.
“There is a big project to be launched with in two months. ‘Arkwod’, is the name of the project. It is a country level project which will take a major role in the film industry.” says the president. The collaborative work of various professionals in the industry will not only help the film industry to improve, but will also allow it to enter the international market. The Ethiopian film has the potential to find an audience throughout Africa and other countries.
