A surface observation, but one that likely aligns with current realities. As these festivals evolve, they play an increasingly key role in reshaping the African film landscape.
– In Benin, the International Women’s Film Festival of Cotonou (Fiff-Cotonou) held its third edition in February. Founder Cornélia Glèlè emphasizes the importance of young women taking initiative despite problems like intimidation and sexual harassment.
– In the DRC, the International Women’s Film Festival (CINEF) will hold its 8th edition from August 19-24, 2024, in Kinshasa. Founded by Clarisse Muvuba, the festival has grown, attracting around 11,000 people over its history. Beyond screenings, CINEF offers panels and workshops.
– In Ivory Coast, the first edition of the Mino (“Our Mothers”) Film Festival was held in Cocody, Abidjan in November 2023. Founded by Prudence Maïdou, the festival was influenced by her personal experiences with domestic violence. She hopes to develop it into a pan-African competition and establish a fund for filmmakers addressing its central themes.
– In Madagascar, the Viavy Film Festival launched in March 2024 in Antananarivo. Founded by Ony Andriananantany and Kaloina Andriamanantsoa, its program included workshops and panel sessions, in addition to competitive film screenings.
– Senegal’s Films Femmes Afrique Festival, which occurs biennially, held its 6th edition in April, in Dakar, under the theme “Climate urgency and peace.” Founded in 2003 by Association Trait d’Union, a non-profit promoting gender equality, this year’s edition screened 70 films. New initiatives included a 2-week production training course for new talent and “Ndékki des réalisateurs,” a session where filmmakers discussed their journeys and creative processes.
These festivals, and others I haven’t yet been introduced to, share a common goal: to increase the visibility of women in all areas across Africa’s filmmaking ecosystem.