The Kinshasa International Film Festival (FICKIN) is set to light up the Congolese capital during its 11th edition, scheduled for October 3-6, 2024. This major cultural event promises a cinematic celebration rich in emotions and discoveries, highlighting more than 70 films carefully selected from an impressive panel of 503 submitted works.
The selection committee has selected 78 films for this edition, offering a variety of formats ranging from feature films to short films, including animated films and television series from more than 25 different countries. This diversity demonstrates the organizers’ desire to promote cultural and artistic diversity through the prism of cinema.
Directors from both Congos will be honored during this event, alongside filmmakers who have marked the history of Congolese cinema. Emblematic figures such as Maud-Salomé Ekila, Jonathan Kalombo Kabalu, N’Sele Anyenga Jean-Jacques and Jimmy Tissanabo will be celebrated, offering the public the opportunity to immerse themselves in a cinematic universe rich in emotions and testimonies of Congolese reality.
Beyond the screenings, FICKIN stands out for its commitment to training local talent and developing the film industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Training workshops led by renowned professionals are planned, offering Congolese filmmakers unique opportunities to enrich their technical and artistic skills.
Belgian director Mestdagh Rudolf will give a workshop on film production, while Senegalese director Toumani Tangaré will focus on self-production. Sessions dedicated to the art of acting and storytelling will also be offered by actors Arvin Isma Bihani and Richi M’bele. These trainings aim to support the development of a thriving film industry in the DRC, providing local talents with the tools they need to shine on the international scene.
FICKIN plays a key role in promoting Congolese cinema, raising public awareness through a screening program in the outskirts of Kinshasa and in universities. By offering training, collaboration and screening opportunities on an international scale, the festival contributes to the emergence of new talent and the growth of the Congolese film industry.
In short, the Kinshasa International Film Festival embodies a true melting pot of creativity and sharing, offering the public an immersive dive into the heart of Congolese and international cinema. Beyond its screenings and workshops, FICKIN embodies a real platform for the promotion of talent and cultural promotion, thus making its contribution to the influence of the Congolese film scene.