Which African capital is known for hosting the FESPACO film festival?

Ouagadougou is the African capital known for hosting FESPACO, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou. Held in Burkina Faso’s capital, it is one of Africa’s most important showcases for the continent’s cinema.

FESPACO began in 1969 as the Festival of African Cinema of Ouagadougou and became an official state-backed institution in 1972. It is held biennially, generally in late February or March, and brings together filmmakers, actors, critics and audiences from Africa and the African diaspora. Its competitions focus on African films and television productions.

The festival’s highest prize is the Étalon d’or de Yennenga, or Golden Stallion of Yennenga. The award refers to Yennenga, a legendary Mossi princess associated with the founding of the Mossi Empire. Ouagadougou is sometimes shortened to “Ouaga,” which inspired the informal film-industry nickname “Ouagawood.” The city is therefore linked with both Burkina Faso’s government and its role as a continental cinema centre.