The third edition of the International Film Festival Awards (FIF Awards) concluded last Saturday in an atmosphere filled with emotion and inspiration at Mory Kanté Higher Institute of Arts in Dubréka. This international event brought together iconic figures from African and world cinema alongside Guinean youth passionate about artistic careers.
The closing ceremony featured a series of high-quality cultural activities designed for the Institute's students. Reflection panels, masterclasses led by renowned professionals, film screenings, and interactive exchanges created a valuable bridge between masters of the seventh art and emerging Guinean talent.
Tolno Tambassilafa, head of the Institute's information and communication department, expressed his gratitude for the selection of his establishment as the festival's closing venue. He emphasized his hope to see this collaboration continue, affirming that the location has all the necessary assets to host such cultural events.
Dalanda Kimbely Diallo, vice-president of FIF Awards, actress and producer, explained the strategic choice of Dubréka as reflecting the organizers' desire to promote Guinean culture. According to her, bringing personalities like Dani Kouyaté and Zeinab Diop before the students represents a powerful message of encouragement for these young people who have chosen artistic careers often misunderstood by society.
The stated objective is clear: to show students that the great figures of African cinema all started modestly before establishing themselves on the international stage, thus offering them concrete and inspiring role models.
Burkinabé filmmaker and director Dani Kouyaté, based in Sweden, expressed pleasant surprise at the festival's scale and the efforts deployed by the Guinean state in support of culture and cinema. He particularly emphasized the creative autonomy that Africa now possesses, asserting that it is no longer necessary to depend on Europe to produce, post-produce, and distribute profitable films.
For her part, Senegalese actress Zeinab Diop, ambassador for FIF Awards Guinea, reminded young artists of the importance of humility and listening in their professional journey. She stressed the necessity of being rooted in the cultural values bequeathed by ancestors before opening up to the world.
Mamadou Lamine Diallo, also known as "Mamadou Thug," artist, comedian, and member of the National Transitional Council, concluded the interventions by highlighting the strategic role of culture in national development. He expressed his satisfaction in seeing successful role models share their vision with students and called for continued support of FIF Awards.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation to the Institute of a copy of the autobiography of Benoît Kamara-Brown, Ivorian peace ambassador and economic operator engaged in humanitarian action, thus marking the Pan-African dimension of this major cultural event.
