Ouagadougou: The organizing committee of the 29th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) announced on Tuesday that preparations are more than 75% complete, with just over eighty days remaining before the event’s commencement.
According to Burkina Information Agency, FESPACO Director General Moussa Alex Sawadogo made this announcement on December 3, 2024, during a ceremony where the official visual for the African cinema and television biennial was unveiled. The festival is scheduled to take place from February 22 to March 1, 2025, and will focus on the theme “African cinemas and cultural identity.”
Sawadogo noted that while technical preparations are nearing 80% completion, efforts continue with the selection process and partner search. He confirmed that venues have been identified, jury members have committed to attending, and invitation letters are being dispatched. Sawadogo expressed enthusiasm about the preparation progress for this significant cultural event.
To date, Sawadogo reported the receipt of 1,351 films, the selection of 9 screening sites, and numerous accreditation requests. These requests have come from cinema, culture, and media personalities, as well as individuals eager to participate in this celebration of African cinema.
Sawadogo highlighted several innovations for this edition of FESPACO, including the introduction of the President Thomas Sankara Prize for Pan-Africanism, the Audience Award presented by Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), and an exhibition dedicated to influential figures in African cinema.