Extended cinema in Kenya and Tanzania. Technological innovation and related trends in local audiovisual storytelling

Date: 18 November 2014

Venue: University of Antwerp, Stadscampus, Room C001 - Prinsstraat 13 - 2000 Antwerp

PhD candidate: Ann Overbergh

Principal investigator: Prof. dr. Arjen van Witteloostuijn

Co-principal investigator: Prof. dr. Annick Schramme

Short description: PhD defense Ann Overbergh - Faculty of Applied Economics

Abstract: This research project sits on the crossroads between current technological trends in Africa, with a focus on Kenya and Tanzania, and related evolutions in local audiovisual production and distribution. It revolves around the question if and how the production and distribution of film and video is affected by technological innovation, and how this plays out socially and economically in different local contexts. This question is broken down into three hypotheses to be critically interrogated: (1) the statement that technological progress has had democratizing effects on production and on distribution in Kenya and Tanzania; (2) the statement that it is associated with a diversification of local production and distribution; and (3) the statement that it results in more locally-relevant stories and distribution processes.