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Biennial African photography, Bamako 2011 - 2-yearly African celebration of photography
In 2011, the Institut Français, the French operator in favour of cultural initiatives abroad, is yet again joining forces with the Mali Ministry of Culture to implement the 9th edition of the Bamako gatherings.
As part of its cooperation initiatives in favour of cultural diversity in Africa, CFI is supporting this event by organising a round table and screening a series on African photographers.
This training course aimed to support African photographers in the production of portraits from design to execution, including writing. Shooting took place in August and September. They resulted in 14 portraits of renowned photographers including Omar Ly, James Iroha and Malick Sidibé.
On 2 November 2011, CFI organised a round table to discuss the theme of "Art and culture in African media", at the Musée National de Bamako on the fringe of the Biennale. Chaired by Sidiki Konaté, Mali Minister for Culture, the debate was attended by 150 persons including Gaël Teicher and Freddy Denaës (Pom Films).
The 14 portraits produced during the CFI training course were screened in the various Biennale cinemas..
Festival attendees watched portraits of:
- Naita Ussene - Mozambique
- Malick Sidibé - Mali
- Mohamed Camara - Mali
- Fatoumata Diabate - Mali
- Oumar Ly - Senegal -
- Omar Viktor Diop - Senegal
- Nestor Da - Ghana
- Nyani Quarmyne - Ghana
- Kiripi Katembo - Democratic Republic of Congo
- Yves Sambu - Democratic Republic of Congo
- Alain Polo - Democratic Republic of Congo
- James Miuriki - Kenya
- James-Iroha Uchechukwu - Nigeria
- Okpa–Iroha Uchechukwu - Nigeria
Copyright: Alexis Martzolf
Interview with Guillaume Pierre, Director for Africa
Guillaume Pierre, CFI Director for Africa, looks back at the project’s beginnings.
1- What prompted this project?
For several years, we have been following major cultural events in Africa. We have already organised training courses on the fringe of FESPACO and FIMA (International Festival of African Fashion in Niger) for example. During these courses, we bring journalists from different countries together.
This fosters drive and helps them match their vision with their method. We are repeating this formula for the Biennale in Bamako.
2- How would you rate the operation’s outcome ?
Excellent. The films are all top-rate. We asked film directors to cast their eye on these photographers. The 14 films highlight the sheer wealth and force of Africa, with the operation projecting an enthusiastic take on the continent.
