Brussels, 18 January 2019/ACP: A satisfaction! This is what can be said about the presentation of the 26th edition of FESPACO held in Brussels on Thursday 17 January 2019. The Minister of Culture of Burkina Faso H.E. Abdoul Karim Sango and all lovers of African cinema met at the headquarters of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States to discuss the holding of the 50th anniversary of the FESPACO, which will take place from 23 February to 2 March 2019 in Ouagadougou.
What can already be noted is that the ACP Group and the European Union have renewed their commitment to support African cinema. His Excellency Mr. Léonard Emile Ognimba, ACP Assistant-Secretary General in charge of the Department of Political Affairs and Human Development, recalled that the ACP Secretariat has always supported cinema, because it is one of the most powerful vectors of culture, identity and values.
He also announced the launch of the new €40 million ACP-EU Culture Programme and reassured the Minister of the ACP Group's active participation in the 50th anniversary of FESPACO.
The European Union also reiterated its technical, material and financial support. Stephano Manservisi, Director General for International Cooperation and Development at the European Commission, said that the 50th anniversary will also provide an opportunity to reflect on African audiovisual media with the aim of establishing a film industry that creates jobs.
Conference participants were enthusiastic to join Ouagadougou for the celebration of African Cinema. And to make it easier for everyone to travel, the Ambassador of Burkina Faso in Brussels H.E Mrs Jacqueline Marie Zaba Nikiema confided that special arrangements have been made for the issuance of visas.

About FESPACO

FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou) celebrates this year its 50th birthday. Created in 1969, FESPACO is today considered as the biggest film event on the African continent. This festival is a showcase and a springboard for films from Africa or from the diasporas. It has become a pole of attraction for all filmmakers in search of circuits for the promotion and dissemination of their works. Professionals come from all over the world to discover the latest films and audiovisual productions in Africa, but also to take part in numerous workshops and professional meetings. It is both a cultural event as a festive event with thousands of festival – goers who meet together every two years to communicate, to build relationships, to exchange expertise and to reinvent themselves.
His Excellency Mr. Abdoul Karim Sango Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Burkina Faso with His Excellency Dr. Patrick I. Gomes Secretary General of the ACP Group.