The Marahoué region in Côte d'Ivoire has officially launched its Film Commission, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a prime destination for film and audiovisual production. The launch event took place on October 3, 2026, at the Bouaflé prefecture conference room, gathering local authorities, cinema industry stakeholders, and representatives from the private and cultural sectors. The commission is led by producer and director Francis Golé, with support from the Marahoué Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The creation of the Film Commission is more than just setting up an administrative structure; it represents a collective ambition to leverage cinema and audiovisual media as tools for regional development, job creation, and social cohesion. According to Francis Golé, the commission aims to promote the region's landscapes, traditions, languages, and dances, while supporting local talent and youth insertion. The commission's objectives also include fostering partnerships, enhancing cultural visibility, and ensuring transparency in its operations.
To achieve its goals, the Film Commission has outlined a roadmap with seven key axes, focusing on governance, promotion of local settings, youth training and insertion, support for local creation, partnerships, cultural visibility, and transparency. A priority objective is to provide training for young people in film-related professions through workshops on scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, editing, acting, makeup, and costume design. The commission also plans to establish a database of local talent and service providers.
The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Adingra Kouabenan Sébastien, president of the Marahoué Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He noted that the film commission aligns with the "Marahoué Business Connect" economic forum held in July 2026, which aimed to connect culture, economy, talent, and investment. Sébastien assured that his institution will work closely with the commission to facilitate collaboration and create opportunities for local youth.
Hyacinthe Hounsou, the ceremony's sponsor, welcomed the initiative as a contribution to the decentralization of Ivoirian cinema. He emphasized the need to explore new locations beyond Abidjan, highlighting the Marahoué region's tourist and landscape potential. Abi Diabagaté, secretary general of the Bouaflé prefecture, representing the regional prefect, encouraged stakeholders to unite in making the region a new hub for cinema and creative industries.
The Film Commission's launch signifies a strategic move to position Bouaflé and the Marahoué region on the map of cinematic destinations. By promoting the region's cultural heritage and providing opportunities for young people, the commission aims to make cinema a tool for valorizing local culture, boosting tourism, and facilitating professional insertion. The commission's success could pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions of Côte d'Ivoire.
As the Marahoué region embarks on this new venture, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to drive growth and development. With a clear roadmap and support from local authorities and industry stakeholders, the Film Commission is poised to make a lasting impact on the region's creative industries and economy. The commission's progress will be closely watched, as it seeks to achieve its ambitious goals and establish the Marahoué region as a major player in Côte d'Ivoire's cinematic landscape.
Key points
- The Marahoué region has launched a film commission to promote cinema and creative industries, with goals including job creation and tourism development.
- The commission's objectives include promoting local culture, supporting youth insertion, and fostering partnerships.
- The initiative has garnered support from local authorities and industry stakeholders, who see it as a tool for regional development and growth.
