Cameroon’s Culture Minister pledges support for youth-led film projects a powerful announcement that’s energizing the country’s creative sector. During a recent confab held in Yaoundé, Minister Bidoung Mkpatt committed to funding initiatives focused on regional storytelling, indigenous languages, and youth empowerment. The pledge was made in the lead-up to the 29th Écrans Noirs Film Festival, and has been warmly welcomed by filmmakers across Buea, Bamenda, and Douala.
This move signals a renewed government interest in decentralizing Cameroon’s film industry and investing in the next generation of storytellers.
The Minister’s Commitment: Culture Meets Action
At the heart of the announcement was a clear directive: Cameroon’s Ministry of Arts and Culture will work hand-in-hand with festival organizers, regional filmmakers, and youth-led production teams to:
- Provide financial support for grassroots film projects
- Promote indigenous languages and cultural narratives
- Facilitate training and mentorship for young creatives
- Expand film screenings and workshops to underserved regions
Minister Bidoung Mkpatt emphasized that cinema is a tool for national unity, and that empowering youth through storytelling is key to preserving Cameroon’s diverse heritage.
Écrans Noirs Festival: The Catalyst for Change
The pledge was made during an audience with the Écrans Noirs Film Festival delegation, led by Bassek Bâ Kobhio, often called the “grandfather of Cameroonian cinema.” The festival, now in its 29th edition, is Central Africa’s most prestigious film event, drawing entries from over 11 countries and featuring 72 films, including six from Cameroon.
This year’s edition will include:
- Screenings at CANAL OLYMPIA, CRTV Radio House, and the French Institute of Yaoundé
- An international symposium on film and culture
- A festival village celebrating African cinema and music
The Minister’s support ensures that the festival will not only thrive in Yaoundé but also expand to regions like the North West, Far North, and South West.
Regional Impact: Buea, Bamenda, Douala Respond
Filmmakers in Cameroon’s creative hubs are already responding with optimism:
- Buea: Young directors are preparing short films in Bakweri and Pidgin, focusing on post-conflict healing and youth resilience
- Bamenda: Cultural troupes are adapting oral folklore into screenplays, blending tradition with modern cinematography
- Douala: Indie studios are launching docuseries on urban life, migration, and entrepreneurship
The pledge has sparked a wave of project proposals, collaborative workshops, and TikTok campaigns aimed at showcasing Cameroon’s untold stories.
Why This Matters: Youth, Language, and Legacy
Cameroon’s film industry has long struggled with:
- Limited funding and infrastructure
- Underrepresentation of regional voices
- Lack of distribution channels for indie films
This new initiative addresses those gaps by:
- Building capacity for youth-led production teams
- Elevating indigenous languages like Ewondo, Fulfulde, and Kom
- Creating pathways for national and international distribution
It also aligns with continental movements like CANEX (Creative Africa Nexus), which is unlocking $1 billion in funding for African audiovisual ventures.
What’s Next?
- A national call for youth-led film proposals is expected in the coming weeks
- Selected projects may receive grants, mentorship, and festival placement
- CRTV and private broadcasters are exploring partnerships to air regional content
- Film schools and cultural centers will host workshops on scriptwriting, editing, and production
Creative House and Fexify Studios can play a key role in amplifying these stories—through editorial coverage, visual storytelling, and digital campaigns.
Final Thoughts: A Cultural Turning Point
Cameroon’s Culture Minister pledges support for youth-led film projects and in doing so, opens a new chapter for national storytelling. This isn’t just about cinema. It’s about identity, opportunity, and legacy.
For young creatives across Cameroon, the message is clear: your stories matter. And now, the nation is ready to invest in them.
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