From February 3rd to 8th, 2026, Cotonou hosted the 4th edition of the International Women's Film Festival (FIFF), an event that has become essential for African women filmmakers. Eighteen short films, fourteen countries represented, and three Amazones awards celebrated the creativity and talent of African women directors.
In Cotonou, Benin, the closing ceremony of the FIFF took place in the Place de l'Amazone, a symbol of the legendary female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey. The evening began with a performance by young percussionists, highlighting the strength and dynamism of African women, whose names grace the awards presented at the festival.
Since its creation in 2019, the FIFF has brought together more than 1,000 festival-goers from across the continent every two years to discover films, exchange ideas with female film professionals, and celebrate female creativity. In a landscape where festivals dedicated to female directors remain rare, the FIFF has established itself as a valuable platform for female voices from across the continent.
The Amazon of Best Documentary: Dorcas Ganmagba
The Amazon award for best documentary was given to Beninese director Dorcas Ganmagba for Les Chaînes du Deuil (Chains of Mourning) , which explores the mourning practices and rituals imposed on women in certain communities in southern Benin.
Dorcas Ganmagba says: "It's very difficult to deprive someone of the right to wash, go out, or style their hair. All their rights are taken away. Putting them in such a situation is almost humiliating, especially when they are already going through a tragedy."
Her documentary denounces traditions which, according to her, demand urgent attention and collective reflection on respect for women's rights.
The Amazon of Interpretation: Hana Halia Lebo Traoré
The Amazon Award for Best Actress was given to MIA , a fiction film by Burkinabè director Hana Halia Lebo Traoré. The film follows a teenage girl facing online blackmail while remaining true to the family values passed down by her parents.
Hana Traoré explains: "I tell the story of a teenager who seems guilty but isn't. Often, we take risks or act impulsively to live life to the fullest, but we retain the principles passed down by our parents. It's this duality that speaks to me in Mia. The rest of the film acts as a mirror that I hold up to society."
The Golden Amazon: Abbesi Akhamie
The most prestigious award, the Golden Amazon, was given to Nigerian Abbesi Akhamie for The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Séyi Àjàyí , an ironic comedy centered on a woman humiliated by her fiancé and her decision to take back control of her life.
The director explains: "A very important aspect of the story is that the main character is a woman. She is humiliated when her fiancé gets engaged to someone else. Generally, many people would cry and feel depressed. But what I appreciate about this character is that she picks herself up and decides: 'No, I'm going to take action and get my revenge.'"
The 4th edition of the Cotonou International Film Festival (FIFF Cotonou) has thus confirmed Benin's place in promoting African women filmmakers. While awaiting the next edition, scheduled for 2028, the festival continues to offer female directors an essential platform to tell their stories and share their perspectives on contemporary issues facing the continent.
