Africa’s premier film festival, the Pan-African Festival of Cinema and Television of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), scheduled for February 27 to March 6, 2021, in Burkina Faso’s capital, has been postponed due to a surging second wave of COVID-19.
Government spokesman Ousseni Tamboura announced the cabinet’s decision on January 29, 2021, citing the worsening health situation globally and nationally, with Burkina Faso reporting 10,423 cases and 120 deaths.
No new date was set, as it depends on pandemic developments.
The delay disrupts a key cultural event scouted by U.S. and European film industries, echoing global postponements like Cannes, now moved to July 2021.
Cultural and Economic Impact
FESPACO, founded in 1969, showcases African-made films, with its top prize, the Golden Stallion of Yennenga, a symbol of Burkinabe mythology.
Held biennially, it draws global attention for new talent and ideas.
The postponement, the first since its inception, halts a vital platform for African filmmakers, impacting Burkina Faso’s cultural economy.
The decision reflects broader challenges, as Africa grapples with vaccine shortages and rising cases, per WHO’s January 2021 warnings about the 501Y.V2 variant.
Burkina Faso’s COVID-19 Struggle
Burkina Faso, a Sahel nation, faces a tough second wave, with hospitals strained and limited vaccine access, per earlier reports on Africa’s rollout challenges.
Tamboura highlighted the difficulty of hosting large gatherings amid rising infections.
The government’s cautious approach aligns with global trends, as seen with Cannes’ shift to July 6-17, 2021, after a 2020 cancellation.
Unlike Tanzania’s denialism, Burkina Faso acknowledges the crisis, but delays in COVAX deliveries, expected by mid-February, complicate containment efforts.
Global Context of Event Disruptions
The postponement mirrors global disruptions, with Cannes and other festivals adapting to the pandemic’s toll—over 2.1 million deaths by January 2021.
FESPACO’s delay underscores Africa’s broader struggle, with only Seychelles and Mauritius vaccinating by January.
The World Bank’s $12 billion vaccine fund, discussed in a recent webinar, aims to support nations like Burkina Faso, but rollout lags.
The festival’s future hinges on controlling the virus, requiring international support for vaccines and health infrastructure.
Path Forward for FESPACO
Organizers face uncertainty, with Tamboura noting no fixed rescheduling date due to unpredictable case trends.
Virtual screenings, as done by Cannes in 2020, could offer a solution, though Burkina Faso’s limited digital infrastructure poses challenges.
As Burkina Faso awaits COVAX doses, strengthening health measures is critical to resume cultural events safely.
The postponement highlights the need for equitable vaccine access to protect lives and restore Africa’s creative industries.
