The African cinema world is in mourning. Cameroonian filmmaker Bassek Ba Kobhio passed away on May 12, 2026, in Yaoundé, at the age of 69. An emblematic figure of African cinema, he leaves behind a rich body of work and a considerable legacy.
The death of Bassek Ba Kobhio has prompted many reactions, including that of Maurice Kamto. The president of the Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC) paid tribute to the filmmaker, whom he considers a major figure in African culture.
In a message published this Tuesday, Maurice Kamto expressed his sadness and spoke of Bassek Ba Kobhio's career, whom he met at the University of Yaoundé. He highlighted his invaluable contribution to African cinema, noting his "alert, creative and talented" spirit.
Bassek Ba Kobhio was a renowned director, writer and producer. Born on January 1, 1957, in Nindjé, he was initially drawn to literature, winning a short story prize in 1976. He then studied sociology and philosophy at the University of Yaoundé. His film career began in the 1980s, notably as an assistant director.
In 1991, he directed his first feature film, "Sango Malo", which explores the themes of education and rural development in Cameroon. This was followed by "Le Grand Blanc de Lambaréné" (1995), a work that examines colonialism through the figure of Albert Schweitzer, and "Le Silence de la forêt" (2003), co-directed with Didier Ouénangaré, which addresses environmental and indigenous issues in Central Africa.
Bassek Ba Kobhio founded the production company Les Films Terre Africaine in 1991. In 1997, he launched the Écrans Noirs film festival, which has become a major event in African cinema. In 2021, he also created the Higher Institute for Training in Cinema and Audiovisual Professions of Central Africa (ISCAC).
His film work and his commitment to promoting African cinema have earned him numerous distinctions, including decorations from Burkina Faso, France and Cameroon. According to Maurice Kamto, the future will allow us to discover the many milestones he has laid on the road as so many landmarks reflecting his desire to exalt African culture in its rich contribution to human civilization.
