The legendary director plans to host a networking reception for filmmakers at the festival.
By Helena Olori
Acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, has been announced as the Jury President for the 28th Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), in acknowledgement of his remarkable contributions to African entertainment. This is a significant growth from 12 years ago when his film, The Figurine, was only eligible for the TV/Video category at the 2011 edition of the festival. His movie, Citation, was also showcased at the 2021 edition of FESPACO.
FESPACO, a biennial event held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is one of the largest film festivals in Africa. The festival, scheduled for February 25 to March 4, 2023, is themed “African Cinema and Culture of Peace.”
As the Jury President, Kunle Afolayan will be responsible for overseeing the decisions of an eight-member jury. He will also lead the FESPACO General Delegation and present its official selection for the 28th edition.
The legendary director and CEO of KAP Motion Pictures plans to host a special networking reception for filmmakers during the festival on behalf of his company.
But Kunle Afolayan is not the only Nigerian filmmaker with a significant presence at the Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, as Bravo, Burkina! by Nigerian-American filmmaker, Walé Oyéjidé, will open this year’s screening. CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata and Babatunde Apalowo’s All the Colours of the World Are between Black and White are among other Nollywood films competing at FESPACO.