The Head of State was in Ouagadougou where he was invited by his counterpart, President Roch-Marc Christian Kaboré of Burkina Faso, for the 26th edition of the FESPACO.
Created in 1969, FESPACO is a biennial pan-African film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou which highlights African film professionals, helping them to connect and exchange innovative ideas on the filmmaking industry.
“I wish to dedicate this recognition to the people of Rwanda, as we commemorate together, twenty-five years of a challenging, yet satisfying journey of recovery and nation-building.” President Kagame remarked.
“I also want to dedicate it to the friendship between the people of Rwanda and the people of Burkina Faso,” Kagame noted, confirming Rwanda’s prospering bilateral ties with Burkina Faso.
The Head of State also went on observing how Rwanda and Burkina Faso have much in common, from the resilience of both countries’ people, and the determination to uphold African dignity and values.
“I also want to express our deep appreciation for Rwanda’s selection as the FESPACO Guest Country during the festival’s 50th anniversary.” President Kagame noted
This year’s edition of the FESPACO saw Rwanda invited as a guest country, which saw many of the Rwandan Community participating.
President Kagame went on describing how the FESPACO was the best place for pan-African cultural exchange, noting also that it was a platform to share, learn, and collaborate with the best cinematic talents on the continent.
“Working together, we will continue to support our creative industry, to produce timeless and inspiring works of art, but also good quality jobs and prosperity on our continent,” Kagame assured
More than 100 films were screened at the Festival and 19 of them were competing for the prestigious Yennenga award, presented on the weekend. The festival also includes three films by Rwandans filmmakers competing for honors: Mercy of the Jungle by Joel Karekezi; Icyasha by Clémentine Dusabejambo; and Inanga, Keepers of the Tradition by Jean-Claude Uwiringiyimana.
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