The African cinema world is in mourning following the death of Bassek Ba Kobhio, which occurred on the night of May 12, 2026, at the age of 69. Director, producer, writer, and emblematic figure of Cameroonian and African cinema, he leaves behind a considerable legacy, notably as the founder of the Écrans Noirs festival.
Bassek Ba Kobhio marked the African cinematographic landscape through his commitment to promoting the 7th art on the continent. Born in 1957 in Ninje, he began his career as a writer, winning a short story prize in 1976, before turning to cinema. He is also the Director of the Higher Institute of Image and Sound Professions (ISCAC) in Yaoundé.
In 1997, he founded the Écrans Noirs festival in Yaoundé, which quickly became a major event for African cinema, offering a platform for international visibility to productions and filmmakers from the continent. The festival aims to promote and disseminate African cinema, particularly in Central Africa. It offers competitions, symposiums, and writing residencies.
His first feature film, "Sango Malo" (1991), an adaptation of his novel, addresses the themes of education and traditions in a Cameroonian village. This was followed by "Le grand blanc de Lambaréné" (1995), which explores the complexity of the character of Albert Schweitzer, and "Le silence de la forêt" (2003), an adaptation of Étienne Goyémidé's novel, which highlights the difficulties encountered by the Pygmy populations.
Tributes have been pouring in since the announcement of his death, saluting a man who dedicated his life to promoting African cinema. His cinematographic work and cultural commitment will continue to inspire future generations of African filmmakers.
The 2026 edition of the Écrans Noirs festival, which will be held as planned, is expected to pay a strong tribute to him. Bassek Ba Kobhio leaves an indelible mark on African cinema.
