The Festival de Cannes has officially joined forces with actor Isaach de Bankolé and director Philippe Lacôte to launch Premier Continent, a major cultural initiative aimed at establishing both an acting-focused theater and film school and a new international film festival in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
To mark the October 26 unveiling, Cannes General Delegate Thierry Frémaux traveled to Côte d’Ivoire from October 25 to 27.
The initiative is designed to mentor emerging Ivorian talent, foster creative production, and build industry connections.
While the school will concentrate on acting, the international festival—slated for a late 2027 debut—will showcase global cinema and host professional networking events.
Organizers are also exploring plans to restore classic Ivorian films and host free open-air screenings across various Abidjan neighborhoods.
This partnership builds on Cannes’ broader mission to nurture global filmmaking and emerging talent, following its 2025 backing of the Congolese National Film Center in Kinshasa.
The rollout on Monday, October 26, began with a press conference at the Majestic Ivoire featuring de Bankolé and Frémaux, followed by a visit to the future school’s site.
After meeting with local students and film professionals, Frémaux concluded the day at the Pathé Cap Sud cinema by presenting Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord, winner of the 2026 Palme d’Or.
The evening screening drew high-profile attendance, including Minister of Culture and Francophonie Françoise Remarck and Minister of Communication and government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly.
Premier Continent arrives amid a wider push to revitalize Côte d’Ivoire’s cinema sector, buoyed by new theater openings and strong government support.
The initiative has secured the endorsement of First Lady Dominique Ouattara, and the visiting delegation also held implementation talks with Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.
