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BBC Africa Debate

Are artists free to tell their own stories?

Duration: 55 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC World Service OnlineLatest broadcast: on BBC World Service Online

Available for over a year

As Fespaco opens, Africa's biggest film festival featuring movies from across the continent, we consider the successes in the developing world's cinema output.

But what are the political, financial and logistical challenges still faced by film makers and artists in Africa and beyond? Censorship, distribution, funding, language, the Hollywood version of their stories versus the versions they want to tell - all limit film-makers story-telling abilities.

Will the likes of Nollywood and Bollywood ever be able to compete with Hollywood – and if so, how? What defines 'success' anyway – is it always commercial?

(Image: A man walks past a video shop, Credit: AFP/Getty Images) Show less

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