The ongoing Kigali Audio Visual Forum has brought together creative minds in the industry to discuss the potential for growth and development in Africa's creative sector. Actor Jimmy Jean Louis, known for his roles in Hollywood movies and TV shows, shared his experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the continent's creative industry. Born in Paris and with a career spanning over two decades in Hollywood, Jimmy Jean Louis has worked across different countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and now, Rwanda. The conversation with CNBC Africa's Zwena Bachoo delved into the key challenges Africa faces, the potential for growth, and the importance of creating and showcasing African content. One of the main challenges Jimmy Jean Louis highlighted is distribution. With limited cinemas in many African countries, the ability to deliver content to audiences remains a hurdle. While the rise of digital platforms offers new opportunities, finding ways to reach a wider audience is crucial for the industry's growth. Despite these challenges, Jimmy Jean Louis emphasized the abundance of talent across Africa. From actors to filmmakers, the continent boasts remarkable individuals who are yet to showcase their skills on a global stage. The key, he believes, lies in improving distribution channels and providing opportunities for talent to shine. Reflecting on his first visit to Rwanda, Jimmy Jean Louis shared his admiration for the country's beauty and the warmth of its people. He expressed his desire to return and collaborate on a romantic comedy set in Rwanda, highlighting the potential for the country to become a hub for film production. When asked about the lessons Rwanda could learn from other countries in the industry, Jimmy Jean Louis acknowledged the nation's youthfulness in the film business but also recognized the presence of key professionals guiding the next generation of filmmakers. As an actor based in Hollywood, he sees himself as a bridge between the two continents, advocating for Africa's cinematic future. Jimmy Jean Louis firmly believes that Africa holds untold stories waiting to be shared with the world. With a rich cultural heritage and diverse narratives, the continent has the potential to shape the future of cinema. Encouraging African creatives to take initiative and create content that reflects their identities, he emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and authenticity. Drawing from his experience with Nollywood, Jimmy Jean Louis praised the Nigerian film industry for its bold approach to content creation and urged African creatives to follow suit. By prioritizing originality and cultural representation, he believes African content can resonate with global audiences and contribute to the industry's growth. As the creative industry in Africa continues to evolve, individuals like Jimmy Jean Louis play a vital role in nurturing talent and championing the continent's cinematic potential.