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FESPACO

Imagine an event often called the "Cannes Film Festival of Africa." Every two years, filmmakers, actors, producers, critics, and movie lovers from across the continent gather in Burkina Faso for a celebration of African storytelling that has become one of the most influential film festivals in the world.

FESPACO, officially known as the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, is Africa's largest and most prestigious film festival. Held biennially in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the festival showcases films created by African filmmakers and those from the African diaspora while promoting the growth of African cinema.

Since its founding in 1969, FESPACO has become one of the continent's most important cultural events. Beyond screening films, it encourages collaboration among filmmakers, supports emerging talent, and highlights the diversity of African cultures, languages, and perspectives through cinema.

Daily Whoa Snapshot

Category: Film Festival
Official Name: Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou
Founded: 1969
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Held: Every two years
Known For: Africa's premier film festival

Why FESPACO Matters

FESPACO provides one of the world's most important platforms for African filmmakers to share stories with international audiences. It celebrates creativity while encouraging cultural exchange and artistic excellence.

The festival also strengthens Burkina Faso's reputation as one of Africa's cultural capitals. Thousands of visitors, journalists, industry professionals, and filmmakers travel to Ouagadougou during each edition, contributing to tourism and the local economy.

For audiences, FESPACO offers a rare opportunity to discover films that explore African history, traditions, contemporary issues, and future aspirations through the voices of African storytellers.

Definition

FESPACO is the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, a biennial international film festival in Burkina Faso dedicated to promoting African cinema and filmmakers from across the continent and the African diaspora.

The Daily Whoa

FESPACO is Africa's largest film festival.
The festival has been held since 1969.
It takes place every two years in Ouagadougou.
Filmmakers from across Africa participate in the festival.
It celebrates both cinema and television productions.
FESPACO has helped introduce many African filmmakers to international audiences.

History

FESPACO began in 1969 as a small gathering dedicated to African cinema. Over the decades, it grew into the continent's leading film festival, attracting filmmakers, producers, scholars, journalists, and audiences from around the world while becoming an important institution for African filmmaking.

The Golden Stallion of Yennenga

The festival's highest honor is the Étalon d'Or de Yennenga (Golden Stallion of Yennenga). Named after the legendary Princess Yennenga, regarded as the founder of the Mossi Kingdoms, the award recognizes outstanding achievements in African filmmaking and is considered one of the continent's most prestigious cinema awards.

Where You'll Encounter FESPACO

FESPACO transforms Ouagadougou into Africa's cinema capital every two years. Film screenings, award ceremonies, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and networking events bring together filmmakers, actors, producers, students, journalists, and movie enthusiasts from around the world.

You'll commonly encounter FESPACO through:

Feature film screenings
Documentary premieres
Short film competitions
Television productions
Industry conferences and forums
Filmmaker workshops
Cultural exhibitions
Award ceremonies
International media coverage
Film market networking events

What Makes FESPACO Special?

It is Africa's most prestigious film festival

For more than five decades, FESPACO has served as the continent's premier stage for African cinema. Winning an award here is regarded as one of the highest honors an African filmmaker can receive.

It celebrates African stories told by African voices

The festival showcases films created by African filmmakers and members of the African diaspora, highlighting diverse cultures, histories, languages, and contemporary experiences from across the continent.

It has helped shape African cinema

Beyond recognizing outstanding films, FESPACO encourages collaboration, develops emerging talent, and strengthens connections between filmmakers, producers, distributors, and audiences, contributing to the continued growth of Africa's film industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FESPACO stand for?

FESPACO stands for the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, the continent's leading celebration of African cinema.

Where is FESPACO held?

The festival takes place in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

How often is FESPACO held?

FESPACO is held every two years, attracting filmmakers and audiences from across Africa and around the world.

What is the festival's highest award?

The highest honor is the Étalon d'Or de Yennenga (Golden Stallion of Yennenga), awarded to the festival's best feature film.

Why should I care about FESPACO?

FESPACO demonstrates the power of cinema to preserve culture, inspire dialogue, and share African stories with global audiences. It has become one of the world's most influential film festivals dedicated to African filmmaking.