The Luanda International Film Festival (FIC Luanda) made its comeback this year, eleven years after its previous edition. Running from October 28 to November 2 under director Jorge Cohen, the 8th edition screened more than 100 films from around 20 countries, including over 40 Angolan productions, at the newly renovated Cinemateca Nacional, the Cine Teatro Nacional and other venues in the capital. More than 6,000 people attended over five days. The opening film was 'Sapeur: A grande burla', the debut feature of Angolan director Dénis Miala.
At the closing ceremony, the award for best national feature went to Henrique Costa Junior's 'A Vida de uma Zungueira', which follows the life of a street vendor. Paulo Idalécio's 'Você Sabe Quem Eu Sou?' won best national short film.
In the international competition, 'CongoBoy' by Rafiki Fariala, which drew attention at Cannes, was named best feature. Miguel Eek's 'Amílcar' won the documentary prize and Nuno Miranda's 'The Last Harvest' took the short film award.
With Nigeria as guest country, masterclasses and open-air screenings, the festival aims to put Luanda back among Africa's major film events, although trade critics noted that some organisational issues remain.
