The 13th edition of the Kinshasa International Film Festival (FICKIN) has opened in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate African storytelling and promote the growth of the continent’s film industry. Held over five days in Kinshasa, this year’s festival features about 50 feature-length, medium-length and short films from around 10 countries. The program showcases a diverse selection of African and international productions while providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers.
Founded to encourage Africans to tell their own stories and strengthen the continent’s film culture, the festival has become one of Central Africa’s leading cinematic events. “The main objective of the festival has always been to create opportunities for filmmakers and film lovers to come together,” said FICKIN founder and director Tshoper Kabambi. He added that this year’s edition includes film screenings, workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and networking sessions designed to promote collaboration and professional development within the industry.
Among the featured films is Simon and Amos, directed by young Congolese filmmaker Riphin Kalala. Inspired by the biblical story of Joseph, the feature explores themes of betrayal, slavery, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence through a contemporary African perspective. Kalala described the audience’s positive response as deeply rewarding, saying it felt like watching a child grow and be embraced by the public after years of dedication and hard work. Beyond its film screenings, the Kinshasa International Film Festival continues to serve as a hub for dialogue, learning and cultural exchange, helping to strengthen African cinema by connecting filmmakers with audiences and industry experts from across the continent and beyond.
