(Left to right) Oscar-nominated Hollywood producer from Hollywoodland DAO, Rachel Winter, South African film director Sylvia Vollenhoven, Korean LA-based producer Summin Parker and film director Weaam Williams, who is the creative director of HACC. The four were on the panel at the Women in Film, North meets South in LA last year at the HACC's first edition.
Image: Supplied.
Cape Town, South Africa – The Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) is set to become a defining moment for African film-makers in 2025.
Scheduled to take place in the heart of Cape Town, the event promises to not only showcase the rich and diverse talent of African cinema but also introduce groundbreaking solutions to address long-standing industry challenges.
The event is produced by Holocene Films, a film production company which specialises in emerging technologies such as Blockchain and AI, and The African Film DAO, a community of film-makers who have been onboarded to embrace these technologies as well as foster a spirit of collaboration.
HACC will take place from April 11 to 14 at Waterkant Studios in Cape Town.
The first edition took place in LA 2024, where African films were showcased to a Los Angeles audience and cemented ties with Hollywoodland DAO, among its founders are Terrence Winter, producer and writer of “The Sopranos” and “The Wolf of Wall Street”, and the New Hollywood Movement, founded by Evette Vargas - an award winning writer, director and producer featured in "Forbes" and named New York Times' "Artist to watch”.
“As an independent film-maker who has participated in festivals worldwide, I know first-hand the frustrations of returning home to an industry that often favours international productions over local talent.
"The HACC aims to change that narrative by shining a spotlight on African films and advocating for sustainable practices that will empower our industry for years to come, with a strong ethos of empowering content creators from the continent,” says Weaam Williams, the founder and the creative director of HACC.
Film director Enver Samuel and LA-based filmmaker and actress Stephanie Matsuba.
Image: Supplied.
While Cape Town is a hub for foreign productions, the industry’s focus on international projects often leaves independent South African film-makers navigating a system that is difficult to crack.
With the Hollywood African Cinema Connection, we are creating a platform that not only celebrates African cinema but also looks to transform the way our industry functions, says Williams.
Among our featured invited speakers is Yaliwe Mlambo, head of the Stellar Network Southern African Chapter and United Africa Blockchain Association. Stellar Network is a decentralised, open-source payment network that uses blockchain for transactions.
“Sponsors who are keen to align themselves with the future of African cinema are invited to partner with HACC. By supporting this innovative festival, sponsors will not only be associating with a future-forward event but will also gain access to exclusive branding opportunities.
"This is your chance to be a part of something monumental that will reshape film-making on the continent,” says Thandikaya Ncosani, stakeholder manager.
The South African film industry employs over 31,000 professionals, generating a significant economic impact. South Africa's vibrant film industry boasts an annual revenue of R7.1BN, with content demand rising 40% yearly.
One of the most exciting aspects of HACC is its commitment to utilising blockchain technology as a means to address the persistent challenges around film funding and distribution.
Weaam Williams, the founder and the creative director Hollywood African Cinema Connection, with her husband, Nafia Kocks, the head developer for the African Film DAO.
Image: Supplied.
“Independent film-makers, including myself, have often encountered frustration with distributors who profit from international sales. Audits provided are often vague, and film-makers have little recourse for transparency. However, blockchain technology offers a new solution.
"Through the use of Web3, smart contracts on a blockchain ledger, we can ensure that the percentages of sales are split immediately, giving creators the fair compensation they deserve. These methods are to be of interest to traditional distributors,” says Williams
“The HACC Festival will not only cater to the service industry, supporting the infrastructure that sustains film production, but it will focus on championing the work of African filmmakers who deserve global recognition.
"Our official selection will feature a collection of films from across the continent, with opportunities for filmmakers to engage in Q&A sessions with audiences and fellow creatives.
"We’re not just looking for prestige – we’re actively working towards a sustainable future for African cinema," says Bheki Dladla, head of programming.
Meanwhile, Cape Town’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with its proximity to trendy Bree Street, the Waterfront, and Sea Point, will provide the perfect backdrop for this event.
The HACC is poised to inject new life into the local film industry, providing opportunities for both established and emerging film-makers to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Early bird delegate passes are available for only R550, granting access to three full days of film screenings, curated panel discussions, and invaluable networking events.
After March 7, the price will increase to R1000, we encourage delegates to secure their passes early through our website at haccfilm.crd.co.
This event is open to the public and promises to captivate cinephiles, culture voyagers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone in the media space eager to explore the future of film and media.
The Hollywood African Cinema Connection is more than just a film festival - it’s an eco-system. It’s about creating opportunities, solving problems, and celebrating African cinema on a global stage, says Williams.
Film-makers wishing to submit their work for consideration must do so by March 7th via the website.
Left to right: HACC head of programming, Bheki Dladla with film-maker Lemi Mwaniki and the project manager for Tyler Perry, Alise Wills.
Image: Supplied.
"Our platinum sponsors will receive a complimentary exhibition space. Exhibitor spots are available for those who want to showcase their brand, product or services and is ideal for film commissions, film schools, tech companies, blockchain organisations, streaming platforms and film service providers," says Williams. Exhibitors will have the exciting opportunity to join a studio tour of Cape Town with Hollywood executives, further enriching their experience at the festival.
* A limited number of speaker spaces are available at HACC festival. For detailed exhibition and speaker rates, please check the exhibitors tab on the website: haccfilm.crd.co