Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou

The Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, commonly known as FESPACO, is a biennial celebration of African cinema held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Since its inception in 1969, FESPACO has been dedicated to showcasing films made by African filmmakers on the continent. The festival’s goal is to foster the growth and development of African cinema as a powerful tool for expression, education, and raising awareness.

FESPACO serves as a vibrant hub where African film professionals can network, share ideas, and present their work to a broad audience. Over the years, it has gained significant recognition, attracting attendees from all over Africa and beyond.

The festival's history is rich with notable achievements. The first film to win the best film award was "Le Wazzou Polygame" by Oumarou Ganda in 1972. Since then, winners have hailed from various African nations, including Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

FESPACO has also introduced several key initiatives. These include the African International Film and Television Market, which promotes African cinema and culture through publications and film archives. The festival also organizes non-profit screenings in rural areas and works to elevate African cinema in international festivals. The most prestigious award at FESPACO is the "Étalon de Yennenga" given to the film that best portrays African realities. Other notable awards include the Oumarou Ganda Prize for the best debut film and the Paul Robeson Prize for the best film by a director of the African diaspora.

With its longstanding commitment to promoting African cinema and providing a platform for industry professionals, FESPACO remains a vital force in showcasing and advancing African filmmaking talent on the global stage.