The planned 4th edition of the Cameroon International Film Festival that brings together Actor, Filmmakers, Film critics, Buyers, Distributors, Film Students, and Int. Press has been cancelled by the organizers. This year’s event was due to be held between the 22-27th of April 2019 in Buea at the Mountain Hotel and W Cinema.
The CEO/Founder of CAMIFF in a communique posted on their Facebook page today 01/03 explains that the current crisis in the English Speaking regions of Cameroon is the major cause of this cancellation. After consultation with local government authorities, police and Embassies, they decided to choose a safer option that will preserve human life which is to cancel the event.
The communique further explains that they attempted to choose another date but could not go ahead because both sponsors and partners cannot foresee an end to the ongoing crisis. See full communique quoted below.
Dear Festival Delegates and Participants,
I am sorry to inform you that we have to cancel this year’s festival which was due to be held from 22 – 27 April 2019 in the beautiful city of Buea at the Mountain Hotel and W Cinema.
Regrettably, upon consultation with the local Government authorities, the police and Embassies, it became clear that the ongoing crisis affecting the Anglophone part of Cameroon would make access to the city of Buea for screening virtually impossible for festival participants and the local communities. Our International celebrities have been advised by their governments and security teams to avoid visiting Cameroon at this time.
We did attempt to come up with an alternative date but sadly we were advised that this would be too impractical for both sponsors and partners as we cannot foresee a break or an end to this ongoing saga in 2019. We are moving the event forward to April 20-25, 2020 in BUEA the city of legendary hospitality with the hope that peace maybe restored by then. All the movies submitted this year will be reconsidered for submission in CAMIFF 2020.
On behalf of the committee, I would like to apologize for the cancellation, especially to those who have already made travel and accommodation plans. Unfortunately, these circumstances were beyond our control and while we are committed to our festival, securing human lives is paramount.
We intend to make the 2020 CAMIFF more spectacular so we hope you can join us then.
Yours sincerely,
Agbor Gilbert Ebot
CEO/FOUNDER of CAMIFF
Cameroon International Film Festival.
