Ivorians mark 100 years of Black history through African cinema

This year marks the centenary of Black History Month, a celebration that began in 1926 in the United States. Initially launched to educate young African Americans about their often-overlooked historical contributions, including the impact of the slave trade and the struggles for civil rights, Black History Month has now evolved into a global observance. In Côte d'Ivoire, the seventh edition of the Black History Month celebration is bringing together members of the community to reflect on the role of cinema in shaping and preserving African narratives.

Spotlight on cinema during this year's celebrations

The 2026 edition of Black History Month in Côte d'Ivoire focuses on "cinematic imperialism"—a theme that explores who has the right to represent Africa and tell African stories, and to showcase the continent's rich cultural heritage. The event aims to spark critical conversations about the portrayal of African history and identity in global cinema. This year's programming includes panel discussions, film screenings, and presentations that explore both traditional heritage and contemporary issues, all designed to foster deeper connections among participants and encourage discussion about their collective past and future.

Actor and ambassador for Ivorian Black History Month, Kane Mahoula, explains, "This year's theme is cinematic imperialism: who has the right to represent Africa? Who has the right to tell African stories? We want to step back, reflect on what has not worked, and make proposals for the future. This is a time for all who know our history to contribute to the project so future generations can witness the work being done. The impact of Ivorian Black History Month is significant: it brings people back to their roots so they can understand where they come from."

A celebration of African heritage and identity

The observance of Black History Month in Côte d'Ivoire highlights the importance of linking Africans’ present-day experiences with their historical roots. The celebration honors the diversity of Ivorian cultures and Africa’s rich history, while inspiring young people to take pride in their heritage.

Historian and researcher Niango Serges Alain underscores the significance of this reflection: "If Africa remains a byproduct of colonization, it will struggle to thrive. Ivorian Black History Month reminds us of our origins and our future. This is especially important for our youth."

Cinema as a tool for reconnecting with the past

Film, as both an artistic expression and a living archive, plays a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting African stories. Participants are encouraged to blend cultural nuances with contemporary forms of creative expression, with the aim of reconnecting Ivorian and African youth with their shared heritage.

Takou Dassie, a film director and winner of the Ivorian Black History Month award, reflects on the role of cinema in this process: "I was motivated by the competition's theme because it encourages us to talk about our heritage, and therefore about Africa. With colonization and the arrival of religion, we experienced discrimination against our traditions and spiritualities. In my film, I wanted to highlight African spirituality and emphasize the importance of identifying and valuing our culture. We need to tell our own stories and promote our heritage—it's up to us to value ourselves."

Dassie's sentiments reflect the broader purpose of Ivorian Black History Month, which seeks not only to celebrate African culture but also to assert Africans' right to control and define their own narratives in the global arena.

Film as a collective memory

Through this year's focus on film, Ivorian Black History Month examines the medium not only as a form of entertainment but as an essential tool for preserving the sovereignty of the African narrative. Film is viewed as a living archive, a way to preserve the collective memory of African history and to challenge the dominant, often distorted portrayals of Africa in global media.

As the celebrations unfold, the event continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling in shaping identity and fostering cultural pride. By encouraging young people to engage with their history through cinema, it offers a platform for Africans to reclaim their narratives, celebrate their past, and build a more inclusive future.