Luanda:The preservation of Angola's audiovisual heritage was the focal point on Thursday at the National Cinematheque during the second day of the Luanda International Film Festival (FIC Luanda).
According to Angola Press News Agency, the event, organized by the National Agency for Cultural and Creative Industries (ANICC) in collaboration with the French Embassy, emphasized the restoration and digitization of Angola's historical audiovisual archives.
A highlight of the event was a special screening of the 1972 classic film "Sambizanga," directed by Sarah Maldoror. The film has been recently restored and digitized, enabling modern audiences to experience this significant piece of national cinema.
French Ambassador to Angola, Sophie Aubert, commended the Angolan government's efforts in establishing the festival venue. She remarked on its crucial role in reconnecting the public with national cinema and the broader visual arts.
ANICC Director Asdrúbal Rebelo stressed the importance of international cooperation in preserving film history. He noted an ongoing regional initiative involving Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and France's National Audiovisual Institute (INA) aimed at restoring and conserving historic films.
The return of the festival, now in its 8th edition after an eleven-year hiatus, runs through November 2. It features over 100 films from more than 20 countries and gathers around 160 film industry professionals. Organizers aim to use the festival as a platform to promote Angolan cinema, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the connection between filmmakers and local audiences.
