More than 70 films are on the program for the twenty-second edition of the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIFBM). Founded 22 years ago by Fabienne Colas, the festival has expanded its network with the Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival, the Ottawa Black Film Festival, the Calgary Black Film Festival and the Vancouver Black Film Festival, as well as other events such as Haïti en Folie or Fondu au Noir.
During the ceremony, Fabienne Colas did not fail to recall the mission of this major event, which allows new black and Afro-descendant filmmakers to emerge thanks to numerous initiatives allowing them to shine in the world of cinema.
Eric Idriss-Kanago honored
During the opening night, Quebec producer Eric Idriss-Kanago received the FIFBM Avant-Garde Prize. Originally from the Central African Republic, the filmmaker stressed in his speech the importance of not giving up in a field where challenges are constant.
A documentary produced by the Obamas at the opening
This annual cinema event offered a fine selection of films with The Eyes of Ghana opening, by Canadian filmmaker Ben Proudfoot, with Michelle and Barack Obama as executive producers.
The Eyes of Ghana is a moving documentary that follows the journey of Chris Hesse, a documentary filmmaker who accompanied Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah. This filmmaker has worked all his life to preserve the African archives of the 50s and 60s. At 93 years old, he quite simply embodies the memory and heritage of post-independence African cinema.
As a corollary to the evening, producer Nana Adjei Frimpong was present for a question and answer (Q&A) session with the audience.
Reda Benkoula
Fabienne Colas, Founder of the MIFBM presents the program September 23, 2026
Fabienne Colas, Founder of the MIFBM presents the directors of the 22nd edition September 23, 2026
Fabienne Colas, Founder FIFBM presents Éric Idriss Kanago winner of the Avant Garde Prize September 23, 2026
Fabienne Colas, Founder of the MIFBM presents the Avant Garde Prize to Éric Idriss Kanago September 23, 2026
Message from the producer Éric Idriss Kanago MIFBM Avant Garde Prize September 23, 2026
Nana Adwoa Frimpong producer of The Eyes of Ghana Les Yeux du Ghana 22nd MIFBM September 23, 2026