FESPACO — the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou — has announced dates for its landmark 30th edition in 2027, along with significant market reform plans.
The festival, held biennially in Burkina Faso, is the oldest and largest film festival on the African continent. The 30th edition marks a milestone that the organisers are treating as an opportunity to modernise the event's market and industry components.
Key reforms being discussed include streamlined accreditation, a digital marketplace for African content, and stronger partnerships with international film markets. These changes aim to make FESPACO more relevant to the contemporary African film industry, where digital distribution and international co-production are increasingly important.
The market reforms are particularly noteworthy. FESPACO's industry component has historically lagged behind its festival programming. A modernised market could create real business opportunities for African filmmakers, connecting them with international buyers, co-production partners, and distribution platforms.
For filmmakers: Mark your calendars. FESPACO remains the most important gathering for pan-African cinema, and the market reforms could create new opportunities for content deals and partnerships. Start planning submissions early — competition for screening slots is intense.
Source: africanfilmpress.com