OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (BG) — The 29th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso kicked off Saturday with the screening of Black Tea, a film by Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako, marking the start of the festival’s competitive screenings.

Although not in competition at this year’s festival, Black Tea was chosen by the organizing committee to launch the event, recognizing Sissako’s stature as the 2003 winner of FESPACO’s prestigious Yennenga Stallion award.

The film was showcased Saturday evening at the Canal Olympia cinema in Ouagadougou’s Ouaga 2000 district.

Burkina Faso Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo praised the film as captivating and thought-provoking.

“It immerses us in many themes, including the intersection of different cultures, while prompting reflection on aspects of life. I believe it’s a very profound film,” he was quoted by Agence d’Information du Burkina as saying.

Ouédraogo encouraged citizens to fill the screening rooms, noting the high quality of this year’s festival lineup. He also commended the selection committee’s work in curating the program.

Before the screening, FESPACO’s general delegate and artistic director, Moussa Alex Sawadogo, introduced the selection committee, which will evaluate more than 130 films competing in this edition of the festival.

FESPACO, Africa’s largest film festival, continues through March 2, 2025, showcasing cinematic talent from across the continent.