Implemented in 2021, the Cinema & Technology Hackathon is an intensive, short-format innovation program launched by Gemini Africa in partnership with UNDP. The initiative brought together creative professionals, technologists, and innovators to collaboratively address pressing challenges within the cinema and creative industries through the application of technology. The program was designed as a three-day, hands-on hackathon, fostering rapid ideation, teamwork, and problem-solving in response to real industry needs. By combining creative thinking with technological tools, participants explored new approaches to enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and innovation within film production and related creative fields.

The hackathon engaged more than 30 participants who worked collaboratively in teams to develop technology-driven solutions addressing key challenges within the cinema industry. These challenges included innovations in wardrobing and costume design, enhancing cinema accessibility for persons with disabilities, and reducing production costs through the application of augmented reality (AR) and other emerging technologies. Throughout the three-day program, participants received structured facilitation, mentorship, and guided collaboration, enabling them to transform ideas into practical, actionable concepts within a short and intensive timeframe.

Through the Cinema & Technology Hackathon, participants applied technology to real-world challenges within the cinema industry while strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration between creatives and technologists. They developed innovative concepts with strong potential for industry application and gained valuable exposure to CinemaTech methodologies and entrepreneurial thinking. The program contributed to advancing innovation, inclusivity, and operational efficiency within the cinema sector, reinforcing the role of technology as a key catalyst for creative industry development. Overall, the initiative reflects Gemini Africa’s commitment to fostering experimentation, collaboration, and innovation within the creative economy, while supporting and nurturing emerging CinemaTech talent.