Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – Africa’s film industry is finally getting its well-deserved moment at Cannes. The historic Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s biggest film events, recently unveiled its Official Selection of films for its 75th anniversary. Among the selection was a record seven African films, marking a significant milestone for the continent and its burgeoning cinema industry.
Souleymane Cissé, an 83-year-old Malian director and one of the pioneers of African cinema, was delighted with the news. “Africa is now on the map of Cannes. This is a sign of recognition,” he said. “It is a breakthrough, but it’s not yet a victory. We need to keep working.”
Cissé, who is known for his award-winning films such as “Brightness” and “The Wind”, is no stranger to the challenges facing African filmmakers in getting their films recognized globally. He believes the main obstacles are “censorship” and “contempt” from Western audiences and critics, who often do not understand the complexities of African cinema. “Despite the great quality of African films, they’re often perceived as too complex or too political by international film festivals,” he explained.
However, this year’s Cannes selection is a clear sign that the tide is turning. The seven African films were selected from a record 2,067 submissions, and cover a range of genres and themes. The films hail from countries such as Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt, showcasing the diversity and richness of African cinema.
One of the films selected is “The Gravedigger’s Wife” by Kenyan director Khadifa Wong, which tells the story of a woman who struggles to provide for her family in a male-dominated society. Another is “The Souvenir” by Tunisian director Hinde Boujemaa, which explores the theme of female empowerment.
According to Cissé, the Cannes selection is a reflection of the growing interest in African cinema around the world. “African filmmakers are telling stories that are universal, but with an African perspective,” he said. “People are starting to realize that African cinema is not just a curiosity, but a legitimate form of art.”
The Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place in July this year after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is a key platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work to international audiences and industry professionals. With a record number of African films selected this year, the continent is set to make its mark on the world stage once again.
As Cissé puts it, “We are not just African filmmakers. We are filmmakers.”
