Amplifying PanAfrican Voices: UTG Hosts 5th Cinekambiya International Film Festival

Prince Sankanu Central and Colleagues © Malayn Sanneh

By Sirra Chorr

The University of The Gambia's School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM) hosted the opening of the 5th edition of the Cinekambiya International Film Festival. This year’s theme is “The Advancement of Creative Freedom under the Barrow Administration since 2017.” The festival, which runs on December 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, and 14th, will showcase a diverse selection of films from across the globe, including entries from The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, Liberia, Germany, Togo, and France. It also features films and documentary projects developed by the University's film study students under the guidance of Prince B.A. Sankanu.

Prince Sankanu Central and Others © Malayn Sanneh

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM), Prof. Melchizedek Onobe, praised the creative initiative led by Prince B.A. Sankanu, the festival's founder, highlighting its significance in promoting cultural exchange and the creative arts. He also encouraged students to remain committed to their craft, emphasizing the role of the arts in storytelling and promoting core values.

Deputy Head of Mission German Embassy and Prince Sankanu © Malayn Sanneh

Wiebke Oeser, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in The Gambia, expressed her enthusiasm for the embassy's support of the festival, noting that it aligns with their commitment to fostering cultural dialogue. She also thanked Prince B.A. Sankanu for his vision in organizing the event.

Attendees at Cinekambiya © Malayn Sanneh

Matty Jobe, the Performing Arts Officer at the National Center for Arts and Culture (NCAC), lauded the importance of creative storytelling in shaping culture and societal narratives. She reiterated her center's commitment to supporting initiatives like Cinekambiya that amplifies the voices of African filmmakers and artists.

The festival, which features a variety of film genres, including documentaries and films by journalism students, is expected to draw a diverse audience of film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and cultural ambassadors. It aims to create a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work and engage in dialogue about the role of a vibrant cinema-going culture, as highlighted by Prince B.A. Sankanu in his closing statement.

Prince Sankanu and Colleagues © Malayn Sanneh