How Screen Connect is Transforming African Film Distribution

A bold new film platform, Screen Connect, has officially launched, aiming to solve a problem that's plagued African cinema for decades: getting African films seen by African audiences. Built on collaboration, Screen Connect offers a fresh, cross-border solution to the uneven distribution of culturally relevant films across the continent.

The platform is the brainchild of three co-founders—Cassandra Onwualu (Nigeria), Marete Selvin (Kenya), and Mizero Kabano Yannick (Rwanda). Backed by Some Fine Day Pix and GIZ’s Moving Pictures program, the initiative is more than just a streaming or screening platform—it’s a Pan-African network designed to connect filmmakers, cinema owners, and audiences across countries. The goal? To build a strong, sustainable distribution pipeline for African stories told by Africans.

A Landmark Launch with Over the Bridge

Screen Connect marked its official debut in June 2025 with screenings of Over the Bridge, a Nigerian psychological drama that captivated audiences in Kenya and Rwanda. The film, directed by Tolu Ajayi, was shown at multiple venues in both countries, including Century Cinemax Junction and Ciné Mayaka.

The rollout wasn’t without its regulatory hurdles. Each screening had to pass through national censorship and viewership boards. “There’s a process,” explained Onwualu, who also heads the Nigerian production company Ojiugo Arena. “If your film meets the board’s standards, it moves forward. If not, it doesn't screen.”

Over the Bridge follows Folarin, a powerful investment banker whose life spirals after a failed infrastructure project. With strong performances by Ozzy Agu, Segilola Ogidan, Joke Silva, and Deyemi Okanlawon, the film dives deep into themes of ambition, failure, and self-discovery. It was critically acclaimed, earning 12 nominations at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and winning for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.

The film’s global journey began even earlier, premiering in the UK in late 2023 through the Beyond Nollywood initiative, with screenings in six cities. It also featured prominently at the Africa International Film Festival and the New York African Film Festival, among others.

More Films, More Countries

The success of Over the Bridge signals just the beginning for Screen Connect. The team is already working on releasing more African titles in new territories. “There’s plenty of demand,” Onwualu noted, “but as with any theatrical release, cinemas ultimately decide what gets shown.”

Still, Screen Connect has ambitious plans for the future. “This is a long-term mission,” Onwualu emphasized. “We’re building a continent-wide infrastructure. The goal is to create a real circuit for African films, where movies from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, or anywhere else can travel and find audiences in other African countries.”

A Platform with Purpose

Screen Connect isn’t just solving a logistics problem—it’s addressing a cultural one. For years, African filmmakers have struggled to share their stories beyond national borders. Meanwhile, audiences across the continent have had limited access to films that reflect their own realities.

By opening new pathways for African films to tra