On October 22, the Groupe scolaire bilingue Enfant Noir in Yaoundé hosted an inclusive cinema event, as part of the Rencontres internationales du film court. The event was organized by the association "Les Ateliers de cinéma inclusif" in partnership with the film festival organizers. Out of 36 students, only eight had previously been to a cinema, with one student stating that their father had taken them on a Saturday.
The event featured two short films, "La main interdite" by Tekou Donchi and "Hemle" by Félix Mbog-Len Mapout. The films aimed to promote inclusivity and acceptance of people with disabilities. Tekou Donchi's film shares her experiences as a left-handed person and the stigma associated with it. The event also included a Q&A session, where students shared their thoughts on people with disabilities.
Félix Mbog-Len Mapout, president of "Les Ateliers de cinéma inclusif", explained that the initiative aims to promote inclusivity and acceptance. He stated that everyone has a disability, whether visible or not, and that it's essential to understand and respect each other. The event was attended by students from the Groupe scolaire bilingue Enfant Noir, who had the opportunity to experience cinema for the first time.
The films showcased at the event highlighted the importance of self-acceptance and inclusivity. "Hemle", directed by Félix Mbog-Len Mapout, tells the story of a person with a physical disability and their ability to overcome challenges. The film aims to inspire students to accept themselves and others, regardless of their abilities.
The inclusive cinema initiative is part of a larger effort to promote accessibility and inclusivity in Cameroon. The event was well-received by the students, who had a unique opportunity to experience cinema and learn about important social issues. The initiative plans to continue promoting inclusive cinema and raising awareness about disability and inclusivity.
According to Félix Mbog-Len Mapout, the association plans to continue its work in promoting inclusive cinema and raising awareness about disability and inclusivity. The event was a success, and the association hopes to expand its reach to more schools and communities in Cameroon. The initiative aims to promote a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
The event concluded with a positive note, as students and teachers alike appreciated the opportunity to experience inclusive cinema. The Cameroon Tribune was unable to access additional comments from students or teachers, but it is clear that the event had a lasting impact on the attendees. The inclusive cinema initiative will likely continue to promote inclusivity and acceptance in Cameroon.
Key points
- The initiative aims to promote inclusivity and acceptance of people with disabilities through cinema.
- Two short films were showcased at the event, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and inclusivity.
- The event was part of the Rencontres internationales du film court, a film festival that promotes short films.
