Algerian film wins top honour at pan-African festival

Award-winning feature film explores  life and legacy of anti-colonial thinker, strengthening Algeria’s role in African cinema

ALGIERS, Algeria (MNTV) – Algerian filmmaker Abdenour Zahzah’s feature film Frantz Fanon has been awarded a prestigious honour at the 29th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso.

The film, which chronicles the life and impact of Frantz Fanon—an influential anti-colonial psychiatrist and revolutionary—was recognized for its bold and thought-provoking portrayal of Africa’s historical struggles.

The announcement was made during the festival’s closing ceremony, where exceptional contributions to African cinema were celebrated.

Fanon, a Martinican-born intellectual who joined Algeria’s fight for independence, remains a powerful symbol of resistance and decolonization. His writings, including The Wretched of the Earth, continue to shape global movements advocating justice and equality.

Algerian Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballalou, praised the filmmakers, stating, “Receiving this award in the land of Thomas Sankara—a revolutionary leader and symbol of African liberation—honours the depth and courage of African storytelling.”

Produced in 2024, the 90-minute film follows Fanon’s journey from his Caribbean roots to his pivotal role in anti-colonial movements.

It competed in the feature film category against ten other entries from across the continent, including productions from Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, Togo, and Cameroon.

FESPACO, one of Africa’s premier film festivals, is a key platform for showcasing the continent’s rich and diverse narratives.

The recognition of Frantz Fanon highlights Algeria’s growing influence in African cinema and its dedication to preserving revolutionary legacies through film.

Frantz Fanon, whose works like The Wretched of the Earth remain seminal texts on decolonization, continues to inspire global movements for justice and equality.

This film not only honors his legacy but also reinforces the power of cinema as a tool for historical reflection and social change.