The Togolese government has begun preparations for its participation as guest of honour at the 29th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), scheduled to take place from March 20-27, 2027, in Burkina Faso. A Burkinabé delegation recently met with Togolese film industry stakeholders to discuss the country's involvement. The meeting was chaired by Togolese Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, Isaac Tchiakpé.
This year's FESPACO festival, themed "African Cinemas and Cultural Development," aims to stimulate reflection on ways to strengthen African cinematography. The discussions between the two countries focused on developing their film industries and enhancing collaboration with other African nations. The meeting identified key actions to prepare for Togo's participation, including selecting films and talents to showcase, assessing priority needs of professionals, and defining responsibilities and next steps.
Film directors present at the meeting proposed films that could represent Togo at the festival and requested an extension of the deadline for submitting works to allow more filmmakers to participate. Minister Isaac Tchiakpé emphasized that Togo's invitation should not be limited to just participating in the festival. He stressed the need to use this opportunity to strengthen the country's film industry sustainably, including training, production, financing, and market access.
Minister Tchiakpé assured the film professionals of his department's support and called for collective mobilization. He encouraged stakeholders to make the most of this invitation, showcasing Togolese cinema, expertise, talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and industrious character. The director-general of the Burkinabé Agency for Cinematography and Audiovisual, Alex Moussa Sawadogo, presented the main activities planned for the festival, including film screenings, competitions, and colloquiums on African cinema issues.
The festival will also feature a commercial street where artisans and artists from Burkina Faso, Togo, and other countries can showcase their productions and expertise. According to Alex Moussa Sawadogo, the choice of Togo as guest of honour was made by the highest Burkinabé authorities, citing the strong relations between the two countries and Togo's current dynamic film creation. Sawadogo highlighted the good artistic, cultural, and political relations between the two nations as a key factor in the decision.
The Burkinabé delegation's visit and the subsequent discussions demonstrate the strong ties between Togo and Burkina Faso, particularly in the film industry. Togo's participation as guest of honour at FESPACO 2027 is expected to promote its cinema and culture, as well as foster cooperation between the two countries. The festival provides a platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and strengthen their industries.
As preparations continue, the Togolese film industry is expected to benefit from the experience, with potential long-term impacts on the country's cultural and artistic development. The FESPACO festival has become a significant event in the African film calendar, providing opportunities for filmmakers to gain international exposure and recognition. Togo's participation as guest of honour is set to be a highlight of the 2027 edition.
Key points
- Togo to participate as guest of honour at FESPACO 2027
- Festival to feature film screenings, competitions, and colloquiums on African cinema issues
- Togo's participation aims to promote its cinema and culture, and foster cooperation with Burkina Faso
