PLATEAU-CENTRAL — The KIFIFE children’s film festival, aimed at introducing the cinema profession to young audiences, officially commenced on Tuesday in Ziniaré. The festival, now in its fifth edition, features a series of film screenings and educational sessions on filmmaking.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Director of the KIFIFE Children’s Film Festival, the event seeks to address the lack of cinematic opportunities for children in the Central Plateau, despite its proximity to Ouagadougou. “Cinema is still considered a luxury for children here. There are really no opportunities for them to watch films,” said Bayala during the opening ceremony.

The festival plans to host screenings at various schools and villages across Ziniaré and even in Ouagadougou, with events scheduled for both daytime and evening to accommodate more participants. “This year, we have expanded the screening sites to allow children to better enjoy this festival,” Bayala noted.

The opening event featured a screening of the film “garibou” by Malian director Seydou Cissé, attended by students from the Dagnoën ‘A’ primary school. Cissé expressed his admiration for the festival’s spirit and its setting, highlighting its importance in fostering a love for cinema among young viewers.

Throughout the festival, Cissé and other filmmakers will engage with the children on the basics of filmmaking, including storytelling, framing, and sequencing, aiming to inspire a new generation of cinema enthusiasts.

The festival is set to conclude this Saturday, with further activities and learning opportunities for the attending children.