CAMIFF 2026 Lights Up Buea as Africa’s Film Voices Take Center Stage

The Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) officially opened on April 20, 2026, in Buea, launching a new edition that highlights the growth of African cinema and cultural exchange. Hosted at the Buea Mountain Hotel, the festival runs until Sunday, April 26, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, and cultural stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.

Since its creation in 2016, CAMIFF has established itself as a key platform for promoting African storytelling and connecting local filmmakers to global audiences. Over the years, it has evolved into more than just a film festival, becoming a hub for creativity, collaboration, and industry development in Central Africa.

A Week of Cinema and Cultural Exchange
The opening ceremony set the tone for a week filled with film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. Beyond the screenings, CAMIFF offers a vibrant cultural experience, with red carpet moments, themed gatherings, and interactive sessions that encourage exchange between creatives and professionals.

These activities provide opportunities for participants to build connections, share ideas, and explore new collaborations within the film industry.

Showcasing Diverse Narratives
CAMIFF’s official selection reflects the diversity of contemporary cinema. The festival features a mix of feature films, short films, documentaries, television series, student productions, and community content. This inclusive approach allows both emerging and established filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience.

By highlighting different storytelling formats, CAMIFF contributes to amplifying African voices and presenting authentic narratives to the world.

The 2025 edition demonstrated the festival’s growing impact, with 24 training sessions and 18 nominations across various categories. Among the major winners were Conversations in Transit (Nigeria), awarded Best International Feature Film, and Godsterminal (Austria), which won Best Documentary.

Locally, The Dead Man’s Wish received recognition as Best Cameroon Film, while Richard Mofe-Damijo and Jeanne Benti earned top acting honors. Other awards celebrated excellence in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and digital content creation.

Training and Industry Development
A key pillar of CAMIFF is its commitment to capacity building. The festival hosts masterclasses and workshops in areas such as acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and film business.

Participants also gain insights into digital marketing, film distribution, and entrepreneurship—skills that are essential in today’s evolving film landscape. These initiatives aim to strengthen the local industry and prepare young creatives for international opportunities.

Beyond cinema, CAMIFF contributes to positioning Buea as a growing cultural hub in the region. By attracting international guests and industry professionals, the festival enhances the city’s visibility and promotes Cameroon’s creative potential on the global stage.