This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6394133.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Africa's top film festival opens Africa's top film festival opens
(about 19 hours later)
Africa's biggest film festival has opened in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkino Faso, showcasing some of the best films from across the continent. Africa's biggest film festival has opened in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, showcasing some of the best films from across the continent.
The Pan-African Film and Television Festival, Fespaco, is a biennial event that has been running since 1969.The Pan-African Film and Television Festival, Fespaco, is a biennial event that has been running since 1969.
Fespaco is vital for African directors because African films struggle to find a market, both in Africa and in the rest of the world, correspondents say.Fespaco is vital for African directors because African films struggle to find a market, both in Africa and in the rest of the world, correspondents say.
More than 200 films will be shown at the festival, which runs until 3 March.More than 200 films will be shown at the festival, which runs until 3 March.
Cinemas have been closing in many African countries, leading the monthly magazine Continental to describe the African film industry as "in crisis".Cinemas have been closing in many African countries, leading the monthly magazine Continental to describe the African film industry as "in crisis".
For many involved in the film industry, Fespaco has become a hugely important event.For many involved in the film industry, Fespaco has become a hugely important event.
"It has succeeded because it is a necessity. It is the only cultural space for Africans," Rasmane Ouedrago, an actor from Burkina Faso, told Reuters news agency."It has succeeded because it is a necessity. It is the only cultural space for Africans," Rasmane Ouedrago, an actor from Burkina Faso, told Reuters news agency.
"In Cannes, Venice, Berlin, you don't see as many of our films," he said."In Cannes, Venice, Berlin, you don't see as many of our films," he said.
Clash with WestClash with West
This year's Fespaco was opened with a lavish ceremony at which 40,000 people watched displays of horsemanship and traditional dancing, and listened to rap stars and boy bands dressed in green army fatigues.This year's Fespaco was opened with a lavish ceremony at which 40,000 people watched displays of horsemanship and traditional dancing, and listened to rap stars and boy bands dressed in green army fatigues.
Among the performers was Burkina Faso's top rap group, Yelen.Among the performers was Burkina Faso's top rap group, Yelen.
The top prize, the Etalon d'Or de Yennenga, of the Golden Stallion of Yennenga, will be awarded to the best feature film.The top prize, the Etalon d'Or de Yennenga, of the Golden Stallion of Yennenga, will be awarded to the best feature film.
This year, the vast majority of the films on show are in French, despite the recent rise of South African cinema.This year, the vast majority of the films on show are in French, despite the recent rise of South African cinema.
Many of the films deal with issues of traditional values and modernity. Another emerging theme seems to be the clash between Africa and the West, says the BBC's James Copnall in Ouagadougou.Many of the films deal with issues of traditional values and modernity. Another emerging theme seems to be the clash between Africa and the West, says the BBC's James Copnall in Ouagadougou.
Are you in Ouagadougou for the Fespaco film festival? Tell us what you think about the event and the films being showcased using the postform below.
Also, you can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk.
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Name: