FESPACO, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, is the leading event of African cinema, founded in 1969. It takes place every two years, in odd-numbered years, in the capital of Burkina Faso. FESPACO 2027, the 30th edition, is announced for March 20 to 27, 2027.
Watch out
France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) strongly advises against all travel to Burkina Faso, including Ouagadougou, for any reason. The country broke off diplomatic relations with France on June 26, 2026: the French embassy and consulate are closed, and French nationals in the country risk arrest or detention. This page describes the festival; it does not recommend going.
Origins and meaning of FESPACO
The festival was born in February 1969 as the “1st African Film Festival of Ouagadougou.” It was institutionalized in 1972, with a permanent secretariat. Since 1979 it has been held every two years, in odd-numbered years, according to the official FESPACO 2021 press kit.
Today the festival is organized by the Burkinabe Agency for Cinema and Audiovisual (ABCA).
The top award is the Golden Stallion of Yennenga (Étalon d'or de Yennenga), given to the best fiction feature film. The trophy shows a warrior armed with a spear on a rearing horse. It is named after Yennenga, a figure from the founding legend of the Mossi empire.
The festival in practice: screenings, competition, market
FESPACO is first of all a week of screenings. The films in competition are shown in the city's cinemas, including Ciné Burkina and Ciné Neerwaya.
Alongside the competition, the International African Film and Television Market (MICA) has existed since 1983. It is the festival's professional space, devoted to promoting African films to broadcasters.
The festival has its rituals too. A libation ceremony is held on the Place des Cinéastes, and the Filmmakers' Monument, downtown opposite the city hall, honors the pioneers of African cinema.
In 2025, at the 29th edition, the Golden Stallion went to Burkinabe director Dani Kouyaté for Katanga, la danse des scorpions. According to Le Soleil, he received his award from the head of state, Ibrahim Traoré.
FESPACO 2025 was a great success thanks to the support of the authorities of Burkina Faso.
FESPACO 2027 dates and venues
The 30th edition was first announced for February 27 to March 6, 2027. In May 2026 its dates were pushed back to March 20 to 27. No official explanation was given. The website Culture Custodian notes that the original dates fell during the last days of Ramadan.
| Feature | FESPACO 2027 |
|---|---|
| Edition | 30th |
| Dates | March 20 to 27, 2027 (announced May 2026) |
| City | Ouagadougou |
| Theme | “African Cinemas and Endogenous Development” |
| Organizer | ABCA |
The call for films was open until September 20, 2026, on the Faso Arzèka platform, with an entry fee of 32,798 CFA francs. Only films produced after FESPACO 2025 are eligible. Since the dates have already changed once, check them with the organizers before making any arrangements.
Attending: what you need to know
We do not advise traveling to Burkina Faso for the festival. France Diplomatie classifies the whole country as red. The terrorist threat and kidnapping risk are very high, and French consular protection no longer exists in the country since the embassy closed. Also check your own government's travel advice.
If you must travel anyway, for an essential professional reason, the formalities are demanding:
- Visa: depending on your nationality, one may be required; check your case on our Burkina Faso entry requirements page or on the official portal visaburkina.bf, where you apply online. Apply at least one to two weeks before you leave.
- Travel form: since April 8, 2026, an online form is mandatory before every entry into and every exit from the country.
- Health: the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, and your vaccination card is checked at the airport.
Watch out
Avoid crowds, do not travel at night and do not take the road between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, which is strongly advised against. Register your trip with your government (French citizens use Ariane) and reread the official advice just before you leave: the situation changes quickly.
Photos. Do not photograph government buildings or soldiers. Ask people's permission before taking their picture.
The details are on our Burkina Faso entry requirements page. For background on the country, see our Burkina Faso guide and the calendar of festivals in Burkina Faso.
Frequently asked questions
Does FESPACO take place every year?
No. It has been held every two years, in odd-numbered years, since 1979. After 2027, the next edition should therefore be in 2029.
What is the Stallion of Yennenga?
It is the name of the festival's grand prize. It refers to Yennenga, a figure from the founding legend of the Mossi empire, and the trophy shows a warrior on a rearing horse.
Can you see FESPACO films without going to Burkina Faso?
The organizers publish the list of winners at the closing ceremony. Then follow announcements from the distributors of the winning films to find out where they are released.
