Voice4Thought Film screening: Le Président

Voice4Thought presents films by African directors

The Voice4Thought festival presents three thought-provoking films on 24, 26 and 27 August. The films embody the mission of the festival: to bring inspiring ‘voices’ of strength and change to a broader audience and facilitate a dialogue between Africa and Europe. They were selected by slammer Croquemort (Chad), human rights lawyer Pangmashi Yenkong (Cameroon) and Elvire Eijkman (African Studies Centre, Leiden). During the movie nights, they will introduce the films of their choice and answer questions from the audience.

Film: Le Président – 27 August

2013 – 64 min. – genre: biography, history – director: Jean-Pierre Bekolo – language: French - watch the trailer

Introduction by Elvire Eijkman, ASC

Efforts to stop ‘Le Président’ from screening in Yaoundé have drawn international attention. Cameroonian authorities didn't approve of the film's seemingly daring plot, which sees the film's fictional president disappear a few days before elections (the country's real-life president, Paul Biya, has been in power for more than 30 years). ‘Le Pre̒sident’ is an allegory of the men who run Africa, who like to see themselves as wild beasts or even Gods of Africa, and about ordinary people who have to live with the consequences.

Entrance: free