Joint statement: African film directors support the European Union Copyright Directive

The following is a joint statement released by the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI) and the African alliance of Writers & Directors Worldwide, the Pan-African Alliance of Screenwriters and Directors (APASER).

Ouagadougou, February 25th, 2019

United in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso for the 26th edition of the FESPACO Film Festival, the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI) and the Pan-African Alliance of Screenwriters and Directors (APASER) are calling, on behalf of every voice they represent, for the definitive adoption in Europe of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market.

Equitable and proportional remuneration for authors is one of the essential conditions for the preservation and development of film on a global scale.

“More than ever before, we are working in Africa for  the development of new authors, and for the production and circulation of our works to preserve the diversity of our cultures. Guaranteeing the rights of authors, as Europe is proposing, would enable the harmonization of legislation on a global scale and, on our continent in particular. This is urgently needed if we want to preserve our identities and our cultures, as well as facilitate local creation in the digital era.”

Cheick Oumar Sissoko, FEPACI Secretary General

Laza, APASER President