Performing at the Cambridge African Film Festival

 

The Cambridge African Film Festival is the longest running celebration of African cinema in the UK. Marking it's 11th edition this year the programme included films from South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and of course Burkina Faso.

 

 

                                                  

Two short films from Burkina were screened, La Parrain (The godfather) by Lazare Sié Pale, and Hasaki Ya Suda (The three black samurai) by Cedric Ido.  After the films I performed a short set with Chris Peckham and Makhou N'diaye (Folignouma) in the Picturehouse bar.

Folignouma at The Cambridge African Film Festival of 2010 by Tom Catchesides http://www.catchesides.co.uk

 

Burkina Faso has become synonymous with cinema, thanks to the Festival panafricain du cinéma et  télévision de Ouagadougou, more commonly known as FESPACO. 

 

Inaugurated in 1969, the festival's aim is to "contribute to the expansion and development of African cinema as a means of expression, education and awareness-raising" and it has evolved into an internationally respected event. 

 

 

Held every two years, the next festival will take place in February 2013 and will bring together directors and films from across the continent.  The best film will be awarded the coveted Étalon de Yennenga (Stallion of Yennega) named in honour of the legendary founder of the Mossi empire.