Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire from October 25 to 27 to lend his support to this initiative. Officially unveiled on October 26 in Abidjan, Premier Continent is intended to train and mentor young Ivorian talent, support creative production, and encourage collaboration among film professionals. The future school will focus on acting, while the festival, scheduled to launch in late 2027, will feature films from around the world and host professional networking events. Free outdoor screenings in several neighborhoods of Abidjan, as well as the restoration of classic Ivorian films, are also being considered.

By supporting Premier Continent, the Festival de Cannes continues its commitment to international filmmaking, the emergence of young talent, and the circulation of films, following its support for the creation of the Congolese National Film Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 2025.

The project was presented on Monday, October 26, at a press conference held at the Majestic Ivoire, attended by Isaach De Bankolé and Thierry Frémaux, followed by a tour of the school’s future location. Thierry Frémaux then joined a meeting with industry professionals and students before presenting the 2026 Palme d’Or winner, Fjord by Cristian Mungiu, at the Pathé Cap Sud cinema that evening. The screening was attended by Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, and Amadou Coulibaly, Minister of Communication and spokesperson for the Ivorian government.

The launch of Premier Continent is part of a broader effort to develop the film industry in Côte d’Ivoire, driven in particular by the opening of new movie theaters and the backing of Ivorian authorities. The project has received the support of First Lady Dominique Ouattara, and the delegation met with Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé to discuss its implementation.