Students of the School of the Opera Village visit FESPACO

The students of the school of the Opera Village embarked on an inspiring trip to the 29th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), which took place from February 22 to March 1, 2025. Under this year’s theme, “African Cinemas and Cultural Identities,” the festival provided a platform for African filmmakers to showcase the diversity and complexity of the continent through the medium of film. The students had the opportunity to attend film screenings and engage in direct exchanges with directors.

A highlight of the festival was the tribute to the late Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, a pioneer of African cinema, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 84. Additionally, the South African documentary “Mother City” was awarded the prestigious President Thomas Sankara Prize. The film explores the struggle for affordable housing in Cape Town and addresses issues of social justice and land rights. Director Miki Redelinghuys expressed deep emotion over the award and emphasized the significance of the activists portrayed in the film.

Attending FESPACO was a valuable opportunity for the students of the school of the Opera Village to experience Africa’s rich film culture firsthand and expand their perspectives on art and identity. Now, they are also looking forward to the upcoming KIFIFE Festival in Opera Village, taking place from May 6 to 10!