Format: 2-Hour In-Depth Industry Conversation Summary: Film music is one of the most powerful yet underexamined forces shaping global storytelling. From orchestral scores to Afrobeats-infused soundtracks, from diasporic composers redefining representation to AI-enhanced sound design, African film music is entering a new era of global influence. This 2-hour session focuses specifically on film music as a narrative engine — exploring how African and Black composers are shaping emotion, character, pacing, and cultural identity on screen. The panel will examine: Sonic Identity & Representation: How African and diasporic composers are redefining what global film scores sound like — beyond stereotypes and tokenism. Scoring for Story: The craft of composing for film — collaboration between directors, producers, and composers in shaping cinematic emotion. The Business of Film Music: Sync, licensing, publishing, royalties, and protecting intellectual property in international productions. Distribution & Market Access: How African film scores travel globally — from arthouse cinema to streaming platforms and major productions. Technology & Innovation: The role of AI, immersive audio, virtual instruments, and new production tools in expanding creative possibilities. Building Sustainable Careers: How African film composers can build long-term careers within international film ecosystems. By centering the conversation on film scoring, soundtrack strategy, and cinematic composition, this panel positions African film music not as background — but as a core driver of the evolving global film economy.