12/05/2026
A Tribute to a Titan - Bassek Ba Kobhio
The Iroko tree that held the Cameroon film industry together has fallen. A giant upon whose shoulders many filmmakers stood, and a visionary leader who propelled our cinematic landscape for over three decades, is no more.
It is with immense sadness and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bassek Ba Kobhio, the legendary Cameroonian director and Director General of the Écrans Noirs Festival.
A Legacy of Firsts
Papa Bassek Ba Kobhio was not just a filmmaker; he was the architect of an era. His tireless struggle to rebuild and perfect our sector led to the creation of:
The Cameroon Film Industry (CFI)
The Cameroon Film Critics Association
The Écrans Noirs Film Festival, which stands today as one of Africa’s premier audiovisual events.
An International Loss
His influence crossed borders, earning him the respect of the entire continent. The entire Cameroon International Film Festival-CAMIFF join in mourning a father whose contribution to African cinema and Cameroon in particular was truly enormous.
A Personal Farewell
On a personal note, I will miss you deeply. You were a pioneer, a supporter, and a guide. As we grapple with this void, we are left to ask: What is the future of the Cameroon film industry without its cornerstone?
Your vision remains our blueprint. We will miss you, Great Man.
"𝑃𝑢𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑎̂𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑥 !"
Prince Agbor Gilbert Ebot
CEO and Founder of CAMIFF
