Simon Tchokonte: “We are a one-stop shop for buyers looking for international content”

Established in October 2024, Dalino Media has already built a catalogue of 70,000 hours of content across all genres and sold over 50,000 hours globally, while expanding its buyer network to 145 countries. With a presence in 24 international markets in its first year, the distributor continues to strengthen its global footprint. Señal News chatted with Simon Tchokonte, CEO and Founder of the company who outlines his key objectives for the event—including acquiring content for Dalino Media’s upcoming global streaming platform and sourcing series and films from Asia, Europe, Africa and America for clients worldwide. He also discusses the company’s mission to support independent producers internationally and highlights the challenges ahead, from the rise of AI-generated content to growing demand for YouTube rights.

What are your main objectives for ATF?

“ATF is among the Top 3 most important TV markets in the world. It is a must-attend market for me. I am attending ATF this year to acquire content for our new streaming platform that is launching globally. I am looking for content of all genres (Films, TV series, Sports, Animation). I will also be looking for Turkish, Filipino, Korean drama series, Micro-dramas, Animation, Films for my buyers in Europe, Africa and Asia. Any company looking forward to exploring African, European and US Markets can reach out to us.”

Will you use ATF as a platform to highlight certain region-specific content or stories that reflect Dalino Media’s global footprint?  

“Although we acquire content, Dalino Media is a Distribution company with buyers in 145 countries including Asian, European, African and American countries. We have a catalogue of 70,000 hours of all genres (Feature films, TV Series, Documentaries, Animation, Lifestyle). We are a one-stop shop for buyers looking for international content. Our mission is to help all the independent producers from across the globe to have their content delivered to every region of the world.  Our contents are sourced from Asia, Africa, Europe, America and we distribute them to every corner of the world.”

How could you describe this year for your company?

“This year has been a very successful one for Dalino Media. Founded in October 2024, Dalino Media managed to acquire 70,000 hours of content for Distribution in such a short period of time.  We sold over 50, 000 hours of content globally.  We attended 24 TV & Film markets in 12 months (MIPCOM 2024, SICA Abidjan, ATF Singapore, India, EFM Berlin, MIP London, Joburg Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Uganda Film Festival, BCWW Korea, TIFF Toronto, MIP Africa, DICM Dubai…). We released many movies at the Cinemas in Africa.  All the success got us interviews on major TV channels such as CNN and Radio France International/France 24.”

What will be the main challenges you have to face next year?

“Keeping up with the acquisition of great content for our clients. There will be more AI content. The question is, will TV channels start buying AI content next year? If yes, would it have an impact on the current market pricing?  Another challenge is that clients are also looking for Youtube rights in addition to the TV rights. It is not always easy to convince our producers to grant Youtube rights, although it is great income stream.”