History of Cinema in CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Historical overview

History of cinema from 1896-2000

The Central African cinema holds a modest place in comparison with the other film producing African countries. The Central African director b e for his film "Zo kwe zo" ("Un homme est un Homme"). Produced in 1982, it was the first of a series entitled "Africa; is it only twenty years old?". It recalls the history of his country, using mainly oral sources, since the establishment of the French station in Bangui by Alberl Dolisie up until independence. The film represents a first attempt to describe an identity of Central Africans and their country. It won him a prizes at teh Fespaco film festival In 1982, Akouissonne directed "Les dieux noirs du stade". The first film of the scenario writer born in Bangassou in 1943, is a short film of 15 minutes, "Josepha" produced in 1974 and the first of a series featuring African woman in Europe. Victor Bissengué, another Central African scenario writer, coproduced. The letter being the driving force behind the introduction of the internet in Central Africa. In 1985 Léonie Yangba Zowe shot a series of ethnographic short films. In "Lengue" she filmed the the songs and tribal dances of the Yacoba and the Chari Sango ethnic groups. The first film to gain some international acclaim was "Silence de la forêt" by Didier Florent Ouenangare, he won a prize at the Film Festival of Amiens. It tells the story of a civil servant, in revolt against the institutions, leaving food in the bushes for the Pygmies, getting him in all kinds of trouble. Today the film industry in the Central African Republic is virtually non existent, hopes remain the young democratic government will start supporting local initatives.

Cinema links from CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

NAME	DESCRIPTION

Africa Online

Extensive site, includes some information on CAR culture

All Africa

Major African news portal offering some cultural information on CAR