The documentary film The Soul of Africa, filmed in Togo, was screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, marking Togo’s first official participation in one of the world’s leading film festivals.
The film, a co-production with Acofin Productions by Egyptian-Senegalese director Gabriel Souleykan, was showcased at the Festival’s Africa Pavilion. The Soul of Africa explores pre-colonial African spiritual roots, focusing on the resilience of traditions in the face of religious and cultural shifts on the continent.
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Filmed during the 10th Festival of Black Divinities in Glidji and Aného (Togo) in January 2025, the documentary highlights the rich cultural heritage of Togo and the broader African continent.
The screening was followed by a roundtable discussion, fostering engaging conversations about the preservation of African intangible heritage. The Togolese delegation at Cannes was led by King Ari Akouvi, King of the Kpessi, underscoring the cultural significance of the film.
This debut at Cannes provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Togo’s natural landscapes and cultural richness on a global stage. However, it also raises important questions about the development of Togolese film production and its potential influence regionally and internationally. The Togolese film industry faces ongoing challenges, particularly in securing financing and developing robust creative value chains. The success of The Soul of Africa may serve as a catalyst for increased investment and support for Togolese filmmakers.
