Leila Djansi is a Ghanaian filmmaker
Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Djansi has argued that African filmmakers are narrowing their horizons by treating Netflix as the gold standard, overlooking the vast network of platforms that can sustain their work and audiences.
In a Facebook post, Djansi argued that Netflix is undeniably a top contender in the streaming market, but it should not be seen as the only path to recognition.
She explained that too many African creatives equate having their films on the platform with validation, instead of seeing it as one of many available distribution channels.
‘I will collapse all guilds in the film industry when given the chance’ – Leila Djansi
Djansi disclosed that her movies have been distributed on platforms such as Starz, BET, YouTube Movies, Apple TV, and AMC’s AllBlk.
According to her, these deals with these platforms have not only allowed her work to reach diverse audiences across the U.S. but also ensured she earned royalties.
Djansi encouraged filmmakers to explore alternatives like FilmHub and Tubi, noting that success does not begin and end with Netflix.
She also pointed out that the number of Netflix subscribers in Ghana is very low, which makes the platform less impactful for Ghanaian filmmakers who want to build sustainable careers.
She further mentioned that streamers such as Prime Video, Hulu, and Max have invested heavily in content worldwide, offering overall deals worth millions.
This, she said, is evidence that there are numerous opportunities beyond Netflix for those willing to put in the effort and innovate.
Djansi also called on Ghanaian audiences to change their viewing habits by supporting movies wherever they are available, rather than only asking whether a movie is on Netflix.
‘Diasporans do not want to hear slave stories’ – Leila Djansi
Read her full post below
“For some African filmmakers, Netflix has become more than a distributor; it’s their validation stamp. You can land Hulu, Prime Video, or Apple TV deals, but if it’s not Netflix, you ‘haven’t made it.’
“Someone once tried to cut me down by saying my films aren’t on Netflix. I howled. My films were on Netflix. Now they live on U.S. platforms like Starz, BET, YouTube Movies (U.S. only), Apple TV, and AMC’s streamer AllBlk, who own the rights. That’s called a waterfall.
“Here lies the problem: You have made Netflix your validation, not your distributor. YouTube is your distraction because ‘others are making money there, so let me go too.’ That’s why you refuse to innovate or try elsewhere or add more.
“Have you even tried? I listed distributors you can contact in my previous post. Netflix is NOT validation. It’s not the win. It doesn’t mean you’ve ‘arrived.’
Look, Prime Video is signing overall deals worth millions. Some of the best shows and films you’ll ever watch are on Prime, Hulu, or Max.
“(For those in the diaspora) Prime even offers movies free to audiences. Ghanaian subscribers to Netflix is paltry. Meaning, you don’t pay for content. So, you are not valuable. Change that narrative. Even if Tubi isn’t in Ghana, use FilmHub to get your content on Tubi. Your films don’t have to be limited to Africans.”
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