The 9th edition of the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) recently took place at the Buea Mountain Hotel, marking a significant milestone in the country’s film industry. The festival, which began on Monday, April 21, 2025, was attended by prominent film-makers from across the globe, who came to participate in various masterclasses, workshops, and screenings.
Masterclasses and Workshops
• Master classes in acting, directing, cinematography, and phone photography were held at the Buea Mountain Hotel. • Workshops on marketing and distribution strategies were conducted to equip participants with essential skills for their film projects. • A new category for series films was introduced, providing an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their expertise in this area.
Screenings and Projections
• Projections of films took place at the former Alliance FrancoCameroon Buea, Buea Mountain Hotel, and W Cinema at Mile 16. • The festival showcased a wide range of films, including Nigerian productions such as “Conversation On Transit.”
Keynote Address
• The opening ceremony was addressed by Fai Donatus Tangem, Director of Cinematography at the Ministry of Arts and Culture. • He expressed his gratitude to Agbor Gilbert Ebot, Promoter of CAMIFF, for his dedication to promoting the festival. • Tangem emphasized the importance of leveraging the CAMIFF platform to achieve success in the film industry.
Celebrating cultural exchange
• The festival highlighted the significance of cultural exchange and cross-fertilization of ideas. • Agbor Gilbert Ebot, Promoter of CAMIFF, expressed his vision for Buea to become a melting pot for cultural exchange and artistic growth. • Unfortunately, despite the efforts of CAMIFF, many filmmakers and business magnets in Buea were not taking advantage of the festival’s opportunities.
A Cocktail Setting and Local Welcome
• The festival began with a cocktail setting, where local authorities welcomed visitors and film enthusiasts alike. • The event was a celebration of the local community’s enthusiasm for the film industry.
Industry Experts Weigh In
• Industry experts emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration in achieving success in the film industry. • They encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunities provided by CAMIFF to grow and develop their skills.
A New Era for CAMIFF
• The introduction of a new category for series films marked a significant development in the festival’s programming. • This move is expected to attract more filmmakers and provide a platform for them to showcase their expertise.
Quote from Agbor Gilbert Ebot
• “CAMIFF is not just a festival, it’s a platform for growth and development. We aim to create a melting pot for cultural exchange and artistic growth in Buea.”
— Agbor Gilbert Ebot, Promoter of CAMIFF
Definition: Cultural Exchange
•
: The sharing of cultural practices, traditions, and ideas between different societies and communities, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.
Statistics
| Category | Number of Participants | Number of Films Screened |
|---|---|---|
| Masterclasses | 20 | 15 |
| Workshops | 15 | 10 |
| Screenings | 50 | 25 |
As the film industry continues to evolve, events like CAMIFF play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and artistic growth.