The 6th edition of the Rencontres cinématographiques et numériques de Cotonou (RECICO) is set to take place from October 3-10, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin. According to Dimitri Sètondji Fadonougbo, the delegate general of RECICO, the event will feature 53 films in competition, including 16 films from schools in seven African countries. A total of 167 works from 26 countries have been submitted, showcasing the growing interest in the festival.
This year's edition will feature three official competitions: long films, short films, and African school films. The presidents of the juries have been announced, including Soma Ardiouma for long films, Karim Douichi for short films, and Géraud Assani for school films. A new prize, the Prix du Président de la République, will be awarded exclusively to Beninese productions. The festival has also received 206 applications for training sessions from 17 African countries.
The training sessions will cover five areas: screenwriting, cinematography, acting, sound engineering, and film music. Due to the high number of applications, online training sessions are being considered to accommodate participants who cannot travel. The festival's scientific dimension will also be strengthened, with a new formula focusing on cinema and immigration. The colloquium will explore the immigrant's journey and integration challenges.
The Republic of Haiti is the guest of honor for this edition, and its ambassador to Benin hopes to use the platform to showcase a different image of the country. The event will feature films, artists, books, gastronomy, and fashion, with the aim of fostering concrete collaborations between Haitian and Beninese professionals. A village will be set up with three spaces dedicated to Haiti: gastronomy, fashion, and literature.
The festival's program will include projections, professional meetings, and other activities. According to Dr. Bertin Coovi, a resource person for RECICO, supporting the festival is an investment in the national economy, as cinema is a significant economic activity and a means of promoting Benin's image. The event promises to be a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and international exchange.
RECICO 2026 will bring together professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate African cinema and culture. The festival's diverse program will cater to a wide range of interests, from film screenings to workshops and discussions. With its growing popularity, RECICO is solidifying its position as a major event in the African film industry.
The event's impact extends beyond the festival itself, as it aims to create lasting connections between professionals and promote cultural exchange. With the support of various stakeholders, RECICO 2026 is poised to be a memorable and enriching experience for all participants. The countdown has begun, and Cotonou is set to welcome film enthusiasts from around the world.
Key points
- RECICO 2026 will take place from October 3-10, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin.
- The festival will feature 53 films in competition, including 16 films from schools in seven African countries.
- The Republic of Haiti is the guest of honor for this edition, and the event aims to foster concrete collaborations between Haitian and Beninese professionals.
