By Nelson Manneh
‘Gamstars’ Movie Production (GMP) has announced plans to launch the first-ever Banjul Film Festival, scheduled for December 2025. This historic event is poised to become a national platform that will showcase Gambia’s filmmaking talents and celebrate the growing local film industry.
The Director of GMP, Pa Modou Cham, hailed the initiative as a transformative opportunity for Gambian creation and emphasised the importance of building a vibrant film culture in the country.
“This festival is not just about screening films. It is about creating space for Gambian stories to be told, seen and celebrated, and a call to action for all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector and our international partners, to support the Gambia’s emerging film industry,” Cham said.
According to GMP, the Banjul Film Festival aims to serve as a national day for film screenings, competition, and talent recognition by bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, and film lovers from across the country and beyond, and said the event will feature a rich lineup of local films, panel discussions, workshops and awards for outstanding productions.
According to Cham, the festival also presents an opportunity to inspire the next generation of creatives and attract investment into the cultural and creative industry sector, which remains underfunded in the Gambia.
“We want this festival to become an annual event that puts Gambian cinema on the map. With the right support, we can build an industry that contributes to national development, job creation, and cultural preservation,” he said.
Preparations for the December 2025 event are already underway, and GMP is reaching out to stakeholders, production houses and sponsors for the success of the event. Meanwhile, a call for film submissions and program details is expected to be released in the coming months.
The launch of the Banjul Film Festival marks a new chapter for the Gambian film industry by offering a long-awaited platform for visibility, collaboration and celebration of homegrown talent.
