EbonyLife, Logical Launch $50M African Film Fund
The Afro Film Fund aims to finance about 35 African films over eight years, with first disbursements expected in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Urban
EbonyLife Group and Logical African Partners signed a deal Tuesday in Paris to launch the Afro Film Fund, a $50 million fund dedicated to financing African cinema. The signing was attended by French culture minister Catherine Pégard.
Why it matters
The fund offers a sizable new source of financing for African film projects, with an estimated four to nine projects supported annually. Selected productions are positioned for wider international distribution.
The fund targets approximately 35 African films over eight years, a plan of four to nine projects per year drawn from a $50 million pool. Details on per-project budgets and selection criteria have not been disclosed.
The players
EbonyLife Group
A media and entertainment company known for producing and distributing African film and television content, and the operator of EbonyLife Place London.
Logical African Partners
A partnership that joined EbonyLife Group in launching the Afro Film Fund, and is connected to the Logical Pictures production group based in France.
Catherine Pégard
France's culture minister, who attended the signing of the Afro Film Fund deal in Paris.
The details
The Afro Film Fund is being launched by EbonyLife Group and Logical African Partners, alongside EbonyLife's agreement with France's CNC to support the Audiovisual Next Gen program, an 18-month accelerator offering mentorship to 15 professionals under age 35. The program was announced in September at the Lumière Summit.
Timeline
September 2026: Audiovisual Next Gen program announced at the Lumière Summit.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026: Fund deal signed in Paris.
End of January 2027: Audiovisual Next Gen first cohort expected to be announced.
Late Q1 or early Q2 2027: Afro Film Fund makes first disbursements.
Industry Dynamics
The Afro Film Fund extends France's CNC-backed Audiovisual Next Gen program into African cinema, reflecting a push by international partners to finance African film through structured cross-border agreements. It positions African productions for wider international distribution rather than purely regional release.
Filmmakers across Africa may gain access to new financing for projects that could reach international audiences and distributors. Viewers outside Africa may see more African-produced films distributed beyond the continent as selected productions move into wider international release.
The takeaway
The Afro Film Fund signals a growing effort to connect African filmmakers with dedicated capital and international distribution. Watch for the Audiovisual Next Gen cohort announcement in early 2027 to see which projects and creators receive backing first.
What happens next
The Audiovisual Next Gen program is expected to announce its first cohort at the end of January 2027, and the Afro Film Fund is slated to make its first disbursements in late Q1 or early Q2 2027.
Further reading
For more on the film business, explore our Urban coverage.
