By DOH JAMES SONKEY
Cameroon’s international film festival dubbed Ecrans Noirs that enters its 21st edition this year under the theme “Image Profession and its contribution to national progress,” has been programmed for July 15-23, 2017 in the nation capital and economic capital of the country.
The information was disclosed last June 7, 2017 during a press conference granted at the Solomon Tandeng Muna Foundation in Yaoundé by members of the organizing committee of the 21st edition of Ecrans Noirs Film Festival; the General Delegate and
founder of the festival, Bassek ba Kobhio, Festival Director, Marcel Epee, official of the “Film Market” innovative concept, Gerald Nguele and the organizer of an international colloquium on the contribution of cinema and audio-visual in the economic and socio-cultural development, Nadege Tsogo.
In a press conference moderated by Jeanne Ngo Nlend, journalists were told that while special homage will be paid to late Gabonese’s cinema father, Philippe Mory, major innovation at the upcoming 21st edition is the organization of what is known as the “Film Market” which is a concept aimed at promoting films in Central Africa.
Organizers reassured the public that latest films both local and international produced in English and French and other languages will be projected in Yaoundé and Douala during the festival alongside other activities such as the international colloquium, capacity building workshops, and debate conferences on the importance of the film industry in national development.
Bassek ba Kobhio disclosed to media professionals his dream of handing over the Ecrans Noirs Film Festival to Marcel Epee who is a young and energetic man to carry on with the festival.