FESPACO

Festival panafricain du cinéma et de la télévision de Ouagadougou

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Arts & CultureOuagadougou
Dates27 February–6 March 2027Confirmed listing
Duration8 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsFESPACO's defining restriction is its
Language["fr"]Currency: XOF
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

FESPACO in Ouagadougou

FESPACO is Africa's oldest and largest pan-African film festival, held biennially in Ouagadougou since 1969, screening African-directed features, documentaries, and shorts in competition for the Etalon de Yennenga award alongside industry panels and a film market. The festival has long alternated its biennial calendar with Tunisia's Carthage Film Festival under a continental scheduling arrangement.

FESPACO began in 1969 as a gathering of cinephiles in Ouagadougou and has grown into the continent's most prestigious film festival, awarding the Etalon de Yennenga (Golden Stallion), a prize created in 1972 and named for the legendary founder of the Mossi empire, to the film judged most representative of African identity.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

FESPACO's defining restriction is its eligibility rule: only African films or films by African directors compete, making it the continent's primary pan-African showcase rather than a general international festival

02

The mystery stays covered

Its Etalon de Yennenga trophy, named for a legendary Mossi princess, is the most prestigious award in African cinema, and the festival has long alternated biennial years with Tunis's Carthage festival under a continental scheduling arrangement

03

The city starts moving

Its scheduling alternates with Tunis's Carthage Film Festival under a long-standing continental arrangement, and the closing awards night is treated as a major national occasion broadcast well beyond the festival's own audience

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

FESPACO's defining cycle includes pan-African film screenings

Water and renewal

Living ritual

professional meetings and the presentation of the Etalon de Yennenga

The sacred route

Living ritual

the festival's highest award

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

27 February–6 March 2027

Getting around

Use Ouagadougou transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Smart-casual for premieres and the awards ceremony, comfortable shoes for moving between venues across town, and a light layer for evening open-air screenings.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Ouagadougou, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["fr"] · XOF

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map12.37 N, 1.53 WOpen in Google Maps

Ouagadougou, Centre, Burkina Faso

Nearest airportOUA — Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara
TransportUse Ouagadougou transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Ouagadougou, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Ouagadougou via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Ouagadougou, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual for premieres and the awards ceremony, comfortable shoes for moving between venues across town, and a light layer for evening open-air screenings.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Burkina Faso and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is FESPACO?

FESPACO is listed for 27 February–6 March 2027. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does FESPACO take place?

The festival is listed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

8 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Ouagadougou, Centre, Burkina Faso

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLfespaco.bf
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates27 February–6 March 2027
Source statusOfficial source linked
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