Yarha Festival 2025 : Africa at the crossroads of cinema and artificial intelligence

Since its inception in 2014, the Yarha Festival has paved an exceptional path, blending passion and innovation to promote emerging talents and affirm Africa’s place in the global film landscape.

A timely theme: AI and cinema

In the age of artificial intelligence, cinema faces numerous questions: what role does AI play in artistic creation? How can cultural identities be protected in an era of standardized technologies? The “Yarha Pro” conference will explore these crucial issues through roundtable discussions led by international experts such as Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, a leading figure in African cinema, and Adoum Djibrine-Petermann, a specialist in digital transformation. At Yarha 2025, Yaoundé stands as the stage for a creative and bold Africa, powered by a reinvented cinema. Here, every moment is an ode to the diversity of narratives and imaginations. The “Yarha Pro” conference will immerse participants in a major contemporary issue: how AI is transforming not only the way films are made but also the stories we tell.

A rich and inclusive program

On the screens, the festival will showcase carefully selected works that reflect the vibrancy of a continent where cinema is never neutral. These films, from across Africa and beyond, echo the hopes, struggles, and multiple identities that shape the modern era. Among the expected works, “Terres Déliées” by Ivorian Malika Doumbia, a poignant drama about agricultural struggles in West Africa, and “Fragments d’Héritage” by Senegalese Moussa Ndao, a documentary on cultural transmission, illustrate the depth of the narratives on display. With over one hundred films selected, the festival reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, from the most intimate to the most universal.

The “Women in Cinema Yarha” meetings also occupy a central place, giving a platform to women who shape and redefine African cinema. Through discussions and workshops, this space highlights female directors and producers who are breaking the glass ceiling. The “Yarha Talent Discovery” program, on the other hand, acts as a springboard, revealing bold young voices who will shape the future of African cinema. For festival-goers, the experience goes beyond screenings. Intimate breakfasts and talks provide a setting for enriching exchanges between professionals and passionate amateurs. These moments of sharing embody the spirit of Yarha: a place where ideas, cultures, and aspirations intersect.

International collaboration

This year, Switzerland, the guest of honor, enriches the cultural dialogue by bringing its own cinematic sensibility. On January 22, a special day at the French Institute of Cameroon will highlight Swiss masterpieces and explore possible bridges between African and European visions of cinema. This collaboration underscores the importance of global artistic exchange, while firmly anchoring African identity at the heart of the debates. Practical workshops on the digital transformation of film projects, organized as part of “Yarha Pro,” also provide tangible tools for professionals. These training sessions demonstrate a commitment to preparing African cinema to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving industry.

An immersive experience

Beyond screenings and conferences, the cultural village on the esplanade of Yaoundé’s City Hall promises a total immersion. Between artisan stands, artistic performances, and interactive activities, visitors will experience cinema in all its forms. A festive atmosphere, blending tradition and modernity, will enliven these exceptional days. The Yarha Festival 2025 promises to be a true tribute to African ingenuity, a space for fertile exchanges, and an invitation to dream of a future where technology and culture coexist harmoniously. Join us in Yaoundé from January 19 to 26, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of cinema, filled with deep reflections and wonder.