Burkinabe President Captain Ibrahim Traoré and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno officially opened the 29th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival (FESPACO) in Ouagadougou over the weekend. The festival, a major celebration of African cinema, brought together filmmakers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the continent. The opening ceremony featured an electrifying performance of “Wili”, directed by renowned artist Aristide Tarnagda. The show, which included World Log Lift Champion Iron Biby and legendary filmmaker Gaston Kaboré, symbolized Africa’s resilience and determination to shape its own destiny.
Addressing the gathering, President Traoré called on African filmmakers to create movies that reflect the continent’s identity, tell its true stories, and showcase its traditions. He emphasized the power of cinema in addressing Africa’s challenges and reinforcing cultural heritage.
As the guest country of honor, Chad added its cultural touch with a mesmerizing performance by the “Ganga” troupe, known for its traditional dances and rhythmic tam-tams, or “Ganga” in Chadian Arabic.
This year’s festival attracted 1,351 film submissions, with 235 films from 48 countries making the final selection, including around 30 Burkinabe productions. FESPACO continues to serve as a key platform for African filmmakers to gain international recognition and celebrate the diversity of African storytelling.
