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Monument des Cinéastes: A Tribute to African Cinema

A vibrant monument in Ouagadougou honoring African filmmakers, symbolizing the victory and evolution of cinema on the continent.

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The Monument des Cinéastes in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, stands as a vibrant tribute to African cinema. Inaugurated in 1987, the monument's design incorporates film reels and camera lenses, symbolizing the tools of filmmaking and the victory of African cinema.

A brief summary to Monument Des Cineastre

  • 9F9C+CX9, Ouagadougou, Koulouba, BF

Local tips

  • Visit during the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) to witness the monument's significance in full swing.
  • Engage with local guides to gain deeper insights into the monument's symbolism and the history of African cinema.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Place de la Nation in central Ouagadougou, walk southwest on Boulevard du 30 Septembre towards Avenue Moussa Tavele. Continue for about 1.5 kilometers until the intersection with Avenue de la Révolution. Turn right onto Avenue de la Révolution and walk for another 1 kilometer. Turn left onto Koulouba Road (Route de Koulouba). The Monument des Cinéastes will be on your right after about 500 meters.

  • Public Transport

    From the central bus station in Ouagadougou, take a bus heading towards Koulouba. Ask for assistance at the station to ensure you board the correct bus. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. Get off at the 'Koulouba' stop, a short 5-minute walk from the monument. Follow signs or ask locals for directions to the monument. Bus fare is typically inexpensive, around CFA 300.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Ouagadougou. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Monument des Cinéastes typically costs around CFA 500-1000 during the day. Prices may double at night.

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Discover more about Monument Des Cineastre

The Monument des Cinéastes, or Filmmakers Square, is a striking landmark in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, dedicated to African cinema. Situated in a roundabout between Avenue De La Nation, Avenue du Yatenga, Rue Du Travail, and Boulevard Monseigneur Joanny Tarvernaud, its central location makes it a focal point in the city. Created in 1986 and inaugurated in March 1987, the monument commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO). The design, a collaboration between architect Ali Fao and urban planner Ignace Sawadogo, features a dynamic, futuristic structure that incorporates abstract representations of film reels, camera lenses, zooms, and telephoto lenses. Some view the shape as a 'V' signifying victory, while others see it as a rocket ready for takeoff, symbolizing the progress of African filmmakers. The monument is made of sheet metal reinforced with pipes and rests on a concrete base, standing 12.25 meters high and weighing 10 tons. More than just a visual spectacle, the Monument des Cinéastes serves as a place of homage. During FESPACO, participants gather here to honor those who have contributed to the growth of African cinema. Traditional libations are performed at the base of the monument, paying respect to ancestors and seeking their blessings. The site embodies the spirit and cultural significance of cinema in Burkina Faso, inviting reflection on the power of storytelling and its impact on national identity.

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