Gabon: Cinema to confront mountains of garbage
Garbage in Libreville, the capital of Gabon
Written by: Ayman Ragab
The third edition of the International Film and Freedom Festival kicked off on Monday, June 22, in the Gabonese capital, Libreville.
An enthusiastic atmosphere, an enthusiastic audience, and a poster that leaves no one unmoved: “Unhealthy conditions: My clean city, my responsibility”... Cinema is not just about entertainment, it challenges.
In front of the Kings Bay plaza, which is dedicated to film screenings, the festival director, Pauline Mfil Nampani, clearly explained the purpose of the event.
City Council Decision
She said: ”It is a decision by the Libreville City Council to raise public awareness of sanitation issues.”.
“Cinema becomes a way to honor short films that meet their standards.” She added, with pride, ”We have a special program, which includes evening screenings. Iconic films such as *My Friend Villa*, *The Nannies*, and a German film.” .
This German film, ”Carried by the Waves,“ directed by the young director Yana Stalin, guest of honor, has never before screened this short film on African soil. It is the first time, and with profound significance.
She explains: “The film tells the story of a migrant boat, women who left Africa across the Mediterranean to Europe. Some of them were alone, others with their children, and others were pregnant. On board the boat, there was only one nurse to serve them all.“.
Nannies movie
Alongside him is Frank Fléhi, the Ivorian producer, director and actor known for his film "The Nannies".
His film, which reflects society through the eyes of six childcare workers, resonates strongly in Libreville.
”Three perfect nannies, three bad ones… we are portraying society, but from the perspective of those who shape it,“ says Fléhi, before announcing his intention to share his experience between Abidjan and Libreville.
The festival, which runs until June 28, promises heated discussions, strong emotions, and perhaps even some inspiring moments.
At this festival, the spotlight is not shone to dazzle us, but to reveal the truth. What if freedom began with our view of our city?
