By Hadram Hydara
Young Gambian filmmaker Martha Manga has been appointed CEO of the Khoros Film Festival (KFF) as the event prepares for its third edition later this month.
The festival, which runs from 27–29 November at the Alliance Française de Banjul, will showcase African and French short films alongside workshops and children’s activities.
Founder Babou Ceesay said: “It is one of my life’s visions to elevate the Gambian – and African – filmmaking industry. And KFF is honoured to now have Martha Manga at the helm, to carry on building our filmmakers’ capacity and producing home-grown content.”
He praised her leadership, noting her recent exchanges with filmmakers in Lagos, Dakar, the Vatican and France. “With her expert guidance, I have no doubt that the Gambian film industry will continue to grow and thrive,” he added.
Manga said: “It is a privilege to be the new CEO of Khoros Film Festival. Thank you to Babou for his visionary leadership, and to all our partners for making our work possible. My dream is that we keep making brilliant films that enable Gambian filmmakers to earn a living and tell our stories in an authentic way.”
She added that KFF’s training has already improved incomes for many filmmakers: “Just in the past few months, many people have told me that through KFF’s training, their income has significantly improved. But there is more to do, and we encourage everyone to join us at this year’s festival to support our work.”
Since 2022, KFF has run 15 courses with specialists from The Gambia, the US and UK, trained more than 60 filmmakers, and produced four short films. This year’s edition is funded by Alliance Française de Banjul and the French Embassy in Senegal and The Gambia.
By Hadram Hydara Young Gambian filmmaker Martha Manga has been appointed CEO of the Khoros Film Festival (KFF) as the event prepares for its third edition later this month. The festival, which runs from 27–29 November at the Alliance Française de Banjul, will showcase African and French short films alongside workshops and children’s activities. Founder The Fatu Network
