Ecrans Noirs 2026: Paul Biya's Salutary Gesture in Tribute to Bassek Ba Kobhio to Save the Festival

Cameroonian President Paul Biya provided a donation of 5 million FCFA for the 30th edition of the Ecrans Noirs Festival, scheduled from November 21 to 28, 2026, in Yaoundé. The funds were handed over on October 7 by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, to a festival delegation led by Patricia Moune Mbede. This milestone edition pays tribute to Bassek Ba Kobhio, the festival's founder who passed away in May 2026, and who played a key role in promoting African cinema.