Kinshasa, July 12th, 2026 (CPA). – The fifth edition of « La Nuit du Burkina,« which concluded on Saturday in Brussels, Belgium, placed the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the spotlight as the guest country of honor, notably through a discussion following the screening of « L’Afropeen la Ngungoise,« a film by Congolese filmmaker Pitchou Matouasilua, according to a statement received by CPA on Sunday. « Among the highlights of this edition were two film screenings followed by discussions: Une si longue nuit, a moving work by Burkinabè filmmaker Delphine Yerbenga, and L’Afropeen la Ngungoise, directed by Congolese filmmaker Pitchou Matouasilua, » said Paulin Mare, organizer of the event, as quoted in the statement. According to him, the DRC’s participation in this edition reflects the strong friendship forged between cultural stakeholders from the two countries. « The DRC has been honored thanks to the close ties between individuals from both countries. Through these exchanges, we hope to introduce Burkinabè audiences to the realities of the Congo while sharing our common values, » he said. He described cinema as a powerful tool for cultural exchange.
« It reflects social realities, stimulates dialogue and promotes the sharing of common social values among communities, » he added. According to the statement, the expected outcomes of the initiative include strengthening Pan-African identity and solidarity, promoting the cultural heritage of both Burkina Faso and the DRC, encouraging dialogue through music, dance, handicrafts, cuisine and textiles, fostering pride and a stronger sense of belonging among diaspora communities and young people, as well as facilitating greater mobility for artists through co-productions, artistic residencies and joint tours.
A transnational cultural co-production network between the DRC and Burkina Faso
A view of the screening of the film « L’Afropeen la Ngungoise. »
Regarding future joint initiatives, Mr. Mare explained that the program « Burkina–DRC Cultural Bridges: Youth, Culture and Digital Innovation« aims to establish a sustainable transnational network for cultural co-production and youth inclusion through the arts, social and financial education, and digital technologies.
« The project also provides for school and extracurricular workshops, mentorship by artists and social cohesion initiatives targeting displaced populations, women and unemployed youth, » the cultural promoter said. According to the same source, the discussion following the screening of L’Afropeen la Ngungoise enabled Burkinabè audiences to engage with speakers on issues of identity, the diaspora, adoption and contemporary social challenges. « La Nuit du Faso 2026 has established itself as a platform for dialogue and exchange among artists, cultural stakeholders and citizens, while also serving as a showcase for initiatives that connect culture, development and international solidarity, » the organizer noted.
La Nuit du Faso was created as a project promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. The 2026 edition was held under the theme of inclusion, with a particular focus on international solidarity and friendship among peoples, especially between Burkina Faso and Belgium. L’Afropeen la Ngungoise tells the story of Waso, who was adopted in Belgium and returns to the DRC at the age of 35 in search of his roots. Rich in emotion, the film explores the social and identity issues shared by African peoples and their Diasporas. Meanwhile, filmmaker Delphine Yerbenga’s work addresses social realities with depth and sensitivity, highlighting the values of solidarity, resilience and human dignity.