FESPACO 2027: Africa’s biggest film festival sets its dates
The 30th edition runs in Ouagadougou from 20 to 27 March 2027, with Togo as guest of honour.
Key points
- The 30th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) will run from 20 to 27 March 2027 in Burkina Faso.
- Dates first announced for late February and early March were moved to late March.
- Togo will be the guest of honour, and the theme is “African cinemas and endogenous development”.
Africa's biggest film festival has set its dates. The 30th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) will run from 20 to 27 March 2027 in Burkina Faso's capital.
Dates first announced for 27 February to 6 March 2027 were later moved to late March.
Theme and guest of honour
The 2027 edition's theme is "Cinémas d'Afrique et développement endogène", or African cinemas and endogenous development: the idea of development driven from within.
Togo will be the guest of honour, a role that puts a spotlight on a country's films, filmmakers and culture throughout the festival.
What is FESPACO?
Held every two years in Ouagadougou, FESPACO is the continent's most prestigious film festival. Its top prize, the Étalon d'Or de Yennenga (the Golden Stallion of Yennenga), is one of the most important awards in African cinema.
Why it matters
FESPACO 2027 comes after a strong year for African films internationally, including Ben'Imana's win at Cannes and several prizes at Venice. The festival is where many of those filmmakers, and the next generation, meet audiences and buyers at home.
Sources
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