The organizers of the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF), announced the holding of the annual draw event in 2020, due to the growing unrest in the southwestern regional capital, Buea.
The only international English-language film festival to be held this year from April 22 to 27 in Buea, was postponed until April 20-25, 2020.
A press release from CAMIFF's President and CEO, Agbor Gilbert Ebot, stresses that after consultations with the local administrative and security authorities, it was concluded that film screening would not be possible for the participants. Promoters of international films would not be able to attend due to insecurity in the two crisis-affected regions.
"We tried to find another date, but unfortunately we were told that it would not be practical enough for the sponsors and partners because it is impossible to keep them safe in today's conditions," said Gilbert. Ebot.
"We have begun to postpone the event from 20 to 25 April 2020 in Buea, a city of legendary hospitality, hoping that peace will be restored by then. All films submitted this year will be reconsidered for CAMIFF 2020, "he said.
The founding president of Cameroon's film industry (CFI) and participant in CAMIFF, Musi Waa, said it made sense that the event be postponed due to current events.
"You have to understand that these film festivals are motivated by the quality of their international guests, which is one of the reasons that sponsors, businesses and governments come to support them," said the filmmaker.
Mr. Agbor expressed regret for this postponement, calling on filmmakers to keep faith and be optimistic for next year's edition.
Source: camerounweb.com