Libreville International Film and Freedom Festival

Cinema as a Catalyst for Engagement

Launched in June 2024 under the leadership of filmmaker Pauline MVELE NAMBANE, the Libreville International Cinema and Freedom Festival (FICLL) has rapidly become a cornerstone of Gabon’s cultural landscape. Organized by the Gabon Ciné Doc association and Clybe Bassibri Production, this event transcends mere entertainment, positioning the "Seventh Art" as a powerful tool for social transformation.

Objectives and Themes

The festival is built upon a fundamental triad: freedom of expression, good governance, and human rights. Each edition explores critical issues facing the African continent. Following a debut year focused on discovering cinematic diversity, the second edition (June 2025) raised the stakes with the theme: "Cinema and Good Governance." The goal is clear: utilize visual storytelling to raise public awareness, encourage democratic dialogue, and combat systemic issues like corruption.

An Eclectic and Educational Program

The FICLL primarily takes place across two iconic locations: the Baie des Rois, hosting free open-air screenings, and Omar Bongo University, providing an academic and intellectual anchor. The program features:

• International Screenings: A rigorous selection of African fiction and documentaries 
• Knowledge Transfer: Masterclasses and training workshops designed to professionalize the Gabonese youth and aspiring filmmakers.
• Preserving Heritage: Vibrant tributes to the pioneers of Gabonese cinema, including Philippe Mory and Charles Mensah.

By blending festive celebration with intellectual rigor, the FICLL aims to establish Libreville as a capital for socially conscious cinema, where the camera serves as the breath of freedom.