CAMIFF set to achieve public utility status.

Discussions centrered on preparations for the upcoming 10th edition of CAMIFF, scheduled to take place in Buea, South West Region, later this month, as well as the submission of the file requesting that CAMIFF be recognised as a public utility festival.

Speaking at the event, Agbor Ebot Gilbert thanked Minister Bidoung Mkpatt for his unwavering support and invited him to officially open the 10th edition of CAMIFF.

He also took the opportunity to present the level of preparedness for the upcoming event, noting that this edition will feature seminars, master classes, workshops, film screenings and the inauguration of a Wall of Fame.

“This Wall of Fame will pay homage to those who have made their mark in the cinema sector across various categories. It will feature media personalities, entertainment icons, film actors and producers, both at home and abroad,” Agbor stated.

Agbor Ebot Gilbert also used the gathering to highlight some of the challenges faced by Cameroonian film producers and the industry as a whole.

“The Cameroonian system is not helping us, the producers. We spend millions on film productions and are unable to recover our investments due to the non-monetisation of our social media platforms and the lack of ready markets,” Agbor decried.

He further implored the Ministry to galvanise local media into becoming a ready market for their productions, and to ensure the regularisation of authors' rights.

In his remarks, the Director of Cinematography and Audiovisual Productions, Prof Fai Donatus Tagem, saluted CAMIFF on reaching its tenth anniversary and outlined the advantages of obtaining public utility status.

“CAMIFF has proven exceptional resilience, persistence, and contribution to the promotion of Cameroonian cinema. The upcoming edition is envisioned as an inclusive, well-coordinated and nationally representative festival, bringing together Cameroonians from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds,” Prof Fai Donatus echoed.

He continued “this public utility status, once achieved, will enable CAMIFF to receive structured and sustainable government support through annual budgetary allocations, with strict accountability and transparency”.

In his keynote address, Minister Bidoung Mkpatt commended CAMIFF’s efforts in promoting Cameroon’s arts and culture, while assuring the promoter of the government’s continued support.

The minister further instructed that a technical team be immediately put in place to accompany the promoter in ensuring a successful upcoming 10th edition of CAMIFF. The 10th edition of the Cameroon International Film Festival will run from April 20 to April 25, 2026, in Buea, South West Region.

By Albert Njebusi

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3759 of Monday April 13, 2026