Cotonou, Benin – The 4th edition of the International Women’s Film Festival (FIFF Cotonou) concluded with a powerful symbol of resilience and creativity: young girl drummers performing at the Place de l’Amazone, an esplanade named after the legendary female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
Launched in 2019, the biennial festival has become a vital platform for showcasing the talent of African female directors. This year’s edition brought together more than 1,000 festivalgoers from across the continent, celebrating women’s voices in cinema.
Spotlight on Women’s Stories
The programme featured 18 short films in competition from 14 African countries, tackling themes such as grief, blackmail, revenge, and resilience. The awards, named “Amazones” in tribute to Benin’s warrior women, recognized three outstanding works:
- Best Documentary – “Les Chaînes du Deuil” (The Chains of Mourning) by Beninese director Dorcas Ganmagba.
The film denounces the inhumane conditions imposed on women in mourning in southern Benin. “It’s very hard to take away someone’s right to wash, go out, comb their hair. They leave her in a situation that is almost humiliating, when she is already going through a tragedy,” Ganmagba explained. - Best Performance – “Mia” by Burkinabe director Hana Halia Lebo Traoré.
A gripping drama about a teenager blackmailed with a secretly filmed video. “Often, we take risks because we want to live life at a thousand miles an hour, but we remain faithful to the values our parents instilled in us,” Traoré said. - Golden Amazon (Grand Prize) – “The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí” by Nigerian director Abesssi Akhamie.
An ironic comedy about a brilliant woman scholar who turns heartbreak into daring revenge. “What I love about her is she stands up and says, ‘No, I’m going to go there and I’m going to get my revenge,’” Akhamie noted.
A Festival of Empowerment
FIFF Cotonou has become a beacon for African cinema, offering a space where women’s creativity and resilience are celebrated. The closing ceremony, infused with cultural symbolism, reinforced the festival’s mission to empower female voices and challenge societal norms through storytelling.
Looking Ahead
The next edition of FIFF Cotonou will return in 2028, continuing its mission to inspire and promote women filmmakers across Africa. Until then, the festival’s legacy remains a testament to the strength and artistry of women warriors of the silver screen.
