Cameroon International Film Festival
 | |
| Location | Buea, Cameroon |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founded by | Agbor Gilbert Ebot |
| Awards | Cameroon International Film Festival Award |
| Language | International |
| Website | camiff |
The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) is an annual event held in Buea, Cameroon.[1] Established in 2016 by Cameroonian actor and producer Agbor Gilbert Ebot,[2] the festival aims to promote Cameroonian and African cinema, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and support the development of the national film industry by offering exposure, networking, and training opportunities for local filmmakers.
In addition to film screenings and industry events, CAMIFF also serves as an awards platform, recognizing outstanding achievements in African filmmaking.[3]
History
[edit]The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) was launched in April 2016 with backing from the Cameroon Film Industry and the Ministry of Arts and Culture.[4][5] It was established to serve as a platform for both local and international filmmakers to present their work and engage with a wider audience. Since its launch, CAMIFF has grown to become one of the leading film festivals in Central Africa.[2]
The festival’s second edition featured notable attendees including Cameroon’s Minister of Arts and Culture, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, as well as actors Ramsey Nouah and Ruth Nkweti.[4]
The third edition was held from April 23 to 28, 2018.
The fourth edition faced multiple postponements. Initially scheduled for April 22 to 27, 2019, in Buea,[6] it was cancelled due to heightened tensions related to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon.[7][8] A second postponement occurred in 2020, with plans to reschedule in April 2021 disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[9][10] The ninth edition took place in April 2025.[11]
Format and activities
[edit]The week-long festival includes film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and networking sessions. It welcomes entries in various categories including feature films, short films, documentaries, and student films. The festival also hosts red carpet events, award ceremonies, and cultural exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of African storytelling.[12]
Notable guests and collaborations
[edit]Over the years, CAMIFF has hosted several notable African and international filmmakers, actors, and producers. Guests have included Nollywood actors like Ramsey Nouah and Richard Mofe-Damijo,[13] as well as filmmakers from the United States, Europe, and other parts of Africa.[14][5]
The festival has also formed partnerships with film organizations such as the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles and the Zanzibar International Film Festival, aiming to promote cross-cultural collaborations.[15]
Awards categories
[edit]Each year, CAMIFF presents awards in categories such as:
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Actor and Actress
- Best Director
- Best Student Film
The awards are intended to recognize excellence in filmmaking and acting, and to encourage young and emerging talent in Africa.
List of common film awards categories
[edit] |
2016 (CAMIFF) Awards
| Award | Winner |
|---|
2017 (CAMIFF) Awards
| Awards | Winners |
| Best feature film | Overnight Flies |
| Best short film | Enemy of Time |
| Best documentary film | Africa |
| Best Cameroon film | Kiss of Death |
| Best Actor | Thierry Ntamack |
| Best Actress | Onyama Laura |
| Best Director | Georg Tiller |
| Lifetime achievement Award | Tangyie Peter Suh-Nfor |
2024 (CAMIFF) Awards[16]
| Awards | Winners | Ref |
| Best Actor | Enyinna Nwigwe (Nigeria) | [17][18] |
2025 (CAMIFF) Awards
| Awards | Winners |
| Best feature International film | Conversations In Transit (Nigeria) |
| Best short International film | Superman Doesn't Steal (USA) |
| Best Documentary film | Godsterminal (Austria) |
| Best Online Social Content Creator | Akamba Comedia (Audienc Choice Award) |
| Best Overall Actor | Richard Mofe-Damijo |
| Best Overall Actress | Jeanne Benti |
| Best Cameroon Film | The Dead Man's Wish |
| Best Cameroon Actor | Otia Vitalise Suh - (The Dead Man's Wish) |
| Best Cameroon Actress | Lum Nora Neba |
| Best short film Cameroon | Kuma- Weight Of Silence |
| Best Film Director | Robert Peters (Conversation In Transit) |
| Best Screenplay | Kismet |
| Best Cinematographer | Takong Delvis (The Dead Man's Wish) |
| Honorary Awards | Chioma Ude (Nigeria) |
| Best Tv Series | Ewusu |
| Best Community Film | His Word (Douala Film Community) |
Impact
[edit]CAMIFF has significantly contributed to the growth of Cameroon’s film industry by attracting international attention, providing a space for professional development, and encouraging the production and distribution of high-quality films. It has also helped to position Buea as a cultural hub in the region.[19]
References
[edit]- ^ "CAMIFF2017: Buea To Host Cameroon Film Festival". www.cameroon-tribune.cm. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b ""2,228 Films For CAMIFF 2018"". www.cameroon-tribune.cm. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Cameroon International Film Festival - CAMIFF". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "CAMIFF is heading for the sky – Minister's representative says at opening night". Cameroon News Agency. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "Mind-blowing film festival to take place in Buea". camerounweb.
- ^ "War-hit Cameroonian town holds film festival as movies get Netflix boost". Arab News. 2021-04-23. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Cameroon-Info.Net". www.cameroon-info.net (in French). Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "2019 Cameroon film festival cancelled over violence". The EastAfrican. 2020-08-18. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Tombe, Louvier Kindo (2020-04-10). "CAMIFF Suffers Second Postponement". News Upfront. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "War-hit Cameroonian town holds film festival as movies get Netflix boost". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Cameroon International Film Festival: 9thEdition Underway In Buea". www.cameroon-tribune.cm. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Owolabi, Adekunle (2025-03-14). "CAMIFF 2025 to Showcase African Cinema in Buea". The Africa Daily Post. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ BellaNaija.com (2017-05-05). "Veteran Actor Ramsey Nouah Attends The Cameroon International Film Festival + See Full List of Winners". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "CAMIFF 2017: Cameroon Film Festival Round-Up". www.cameroon-tribune.cm. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "United States (U.S.) Ambassador Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Partnership in the Southwest Region - Africa.com". africa.com. 2025-05-03. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Yuven, Benoit (2024-04-29). "DID CAMIFF 2024 LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?". The Premier Hub for News, Lifestyle, and Entertainment among African Diaspora. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Kan, Toni (2024-05-07). "Enyinna Nwigwe emerges overall best actor at CAMIFF 2024". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Abulude, Samuel (2024-05-11). "Nigerian Wins Outstanding Best Actor @ Cameroon International Film Festival". Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "CAMIFF: The International festival begging local attention - The Ultimate Media Group". 2023-04-28. Retrieved 2025-05-06.