When 7th art
becomes child's play
Childhood and growing up in African countries often differ significantly from the everyday experiences of children in Europe. In Burkina Faso especially, children’s lives are frequently shaped by early responsibilities—whether through helping in the household or taking on family duties. At the same time, there is a notable lack of African children’s films that truly reflect their realities, dreams, and aspirations.
The KIDS’ FILM FESTIVAL (KIFIFE) seeks to fill this gap by creating space for stories that make the lives of children in African countries visible. It provides a platform that not only offers authentic glimpses into diverse childhoods, but also invites young audiences into imaginative worlds where they can see themselves, dream freely, and discover new perspectives.
Concept
The KIDS’ FILM FESTIVAL is a discovery festival that has been introducing children and young people from Burkina Faso to the art of cinema since 2019. Over four days, we showcase films in which young protagonists take center stage—from feature films to animations—that reflect both the everyday experiences and imaginative worlds of African youth. The festival’s goal is to give young audiences a voice and offer new perspectives on their lived realities.
Beyond the screenings, KIFIFE hosts a series of hands-on artistic workshops led by experienced African filmmakers and education professionals. In these practice-oriented sessions, participants learn to craft and share their own stories through short films, developing both creative expression and technical skills in areas such as directing, acting, and animation. The emphasis is on active engagement, collaboration, and building confidence through storytelling.
KIFIFE is more than a film festival—it’s a platform for personal and social growth. It offers children and young people, many of whom have limited access to creative opportunities, a chance to explore the world of film and discover their own artistic voices. At the same time, it fosters cultural connection and exchange among filmmakers across the African continent.
Where
The OPERA VILLAGE in Burkina Faso provides the ideal setting for the festival, offering guest houses, training rooms, an open-air cinema, and studios for workshops and dialogue. Since its founding in 2010, the OPERA VILLAGE has served as a vibrant platform for intercultural exchange and post-colonial discourse, committed to promoting a nuanced and multifaceted image of Africa.
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Why
Cinema is a powerful medium in West Africa, serving both as a tool for social commentary and a form of artistic expression. Africa’s largest film festival, FESPACO, takes place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Despite this vibrant scene, there are still very few productions made specifically for children, largely due to limited production and distribution channels. The KIDS’ FILM FESTIVAL (KIFIFE) addresses this gap by focusing on films that reflect the perspectives and daily lives of African children and youth.
In recent years, the OPERA VILLAGE has been actively involved in filmmaking, producing animated and short films in collaboration with local directors and screenwriters. Hosting its own festival is a natural extension of this work and supports its educational mission: to make film art accessible to young people and engage them in the creative process. Through artistic workshops, participants are encouraged to tell their own stories and develop creative skills—fostering both personal growth and social confidence.
