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THE SECOND EDITION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE FROM APRIL 5 TO 9, 2025, ON THE ISLAND OF LA RÉUNION.
Initiated by France Télévisions and organized by the Hors Champs Réunion Association in partnership with Région Réunion, the CNC, the City of Saint-Paul and the Territoire de l’Ouest, FIFOI is the newest addition to the France Télévisions group of overseas festivals, following FIFO in Polynesia and FIFAC in the Caribbean.
Reflecting the vibrant cinematic energy of the Indian Ocean region, FIFOI is distinguished by its commitment to showcasing both documentary and fiction, with particular attention to short films. Through a competitive selection — including feature-length documentaries and short fiction and documentary films from Mayotte, La Réunion, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Mozambique — the festival highlights emerging talents and their unique perspectives on the territories of the basin.
For the very first time, FIFOI will introduce a professional jury, marking its ambition to establish itself as a leading international competition. We are honored to welcome Abd Al Malik as Jury President. A multi-talented artist, he recently filmed his feature L’Affaire de l’esclave Furcy in La Réunion, a powerful historical work that resonates strongly with the themes championed by the festival. He will be joined by a jury composed of filmmakers, artists, programmers, and producers, each bringing their expertise and distinct perspective.
Five awards will be presented at the Closing Ceremony: the Feature Documentary Award, the Domin Award, the Short Film Award, the Audience Award, and the Youth Jury Award.
This year, FIFOI also launches its Film Market, with a clear ambition to contribute to the structuring of the regional film and audiovisual industry. This new professional platform represents a major milestone: creating concrete opportunities for professionals in an environment conducive to exchange, networking, and collaboration. The objective is to foster stronger cooperation between industry stakeholders and neighboring countries.
Pitch sessions — for short films (fiction and documentary) and feature-length documentaries — will be held before a panel of industry professionals. These sessions aim to support networking and spotlight projects developed within the region. They will be livestreamed, enabling remote participation and increased visibility for selected projects.
Round tables will also be organized, addressing key industry themes and encouraging dialogue among professionals. These discussions will help strengthen connections between creators, producers, and broadcasters, while exploring development opportunities and regional co-productions.
Through this dynamic approach, FIFOI reaffirms its commitment to professional development, the promotion of emerging talent, and the strengthening of networks across the Indian Ocean region. With the foundations of the Film Market now in place, the ambition is to see it grow and evolve with each edition.
« WITH FIFOI, RÉUNION BECOMES THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS AND ARTISTIC DISCOVERIES, SHIFTING THE DYNAMICS OF CINEMA TOWARDS THE SOUTH AND REALIGNING ITS HORIZON WITH THE INDIAN OCEAN.»
ESTELLE JOMARON-GALABERT IS THE PRESIDENT OF HORS CHAMPS RÉUNION
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