Accra: African cinema is paying tribute to one of its most dedicated champions, Belgian scholar and film critic Guido Convents, who passed away recently. Known for his pioneering research, tireless promotion of African filmmakers, and deep personal bonds with African critics, Convents leaves behind a remarkable legacy that continues to shape the continent’s cultural narrative.
For Charles Ayetan, Togolese media professional and film critic, Convents was more than a colleague he was a brother in cinema. Ayetan recalls their first meeting in 2009 at the FESPACO International Film Festival in Ouagadougou, followed by the Amiens International Film Festival in France. Long before that, they had already exchanged articles and reflections on African cinema, forging a friendship rooted in mutual respect.
Ayetan, who today serves as Communications Officer for SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar) and President of the African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP), describes Convents as a mentor who encouraged young critics to believe in their voice and vision.
Throughout his career, Convents worked with SIGNIS – the World Catholic Association for Communication, based in Brussels, while dedicating his personal and professional energy to African film. He wrote extensively on the history of African cinema, ensuring that forgotten narratives were brought to light. Among his landmark works are:
• A la recherche des images oubliées: Préhistoire du cinéma en Afrique (1897–1918) (1986), which unearthed early cinematic traces in Africa.
• Images et animation. Le cinéma d’animation en Afrique centrale (2014), exploring animation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
He also co-founded the Afrika Filmfestival in Leuven, which became a vital platform to celebrate African cinema, challenge stereotypes, and promote intercultural understanding. Beyond his scholarship, Convents was instrumental in strengthening the Catholic Church’s presence in international film festivals, helping recognize filmmakers with Ecumenical and SIGNIS Awards.
Convents’ vision resonates strongly in today’s African cinema, which is expanding both in volume and global visibility. From Nigeria’s Nollywood, producing over 2,000 films annually, to vibrant industries in South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana, the continent is asserting its creative power.
Streaming platforms and international festivals now provide African films with wider markets, while digital tools lower production costs. Challenges remain funding shortages, piracy, and distribution barriers but the momentum is unmistakable. Storytelling rooted in authentic African experiences is carving out a unique space on the world stage.
Both Convents and African pioneers such as Ousmane Sembene believed cinema must go beyond entertainment. For them, film is an "evening school," a space to provoke thought, preserve memory, and foster social transformation.
Ayetan urges Africa’s young filmmakers to embrace this vision by remaining faithful to their cultural roots: “Tell authentic African stories that reflect who you are. The world is waiting for your voice.”
To keep his contributions alive, Ayetan suggests establishing awards, workshops, or conferences in Convents’ name, ensuring that his passion continues to inspire generations. His life was not just about writing or critiquing films it was about opening doors for African cinema and amplifying voices that might otherwise have remained unheard.
As African cinema grows in global stature, Guido Convents’ work stands as a lasting reminder that images matter, stories matter, and the fight for cultural recognition is never in vain.