In Saint-Louis, the 7th International Short Film Gala honored the film "Geej Amul Banxass", a work committed to illegal emigration, during a ceremony marked by a plea from the authorities in favor of strengthening the Senegalese film industry.

The curtains closed on the seventh edition of the Saint-Louis International Short Film Gala this Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the UFR CRAC of Gaston Berger University (UGB). At the end of the ceremony, the film "Geej Amul Banxass" won the grand prize, recognizing a work that is both poignant and socially conscious.

Co-directed by Khalifa Bâ and Ivere Hounkpatin, the film tells the story of a 17-year-old who chooses illegal immigration in the hope of lifting his family out of poverty. Through this narrative, the directors sensitively address a major social issue.

The closing night, featuring a series of screenings, also included the presentation of several awards to industry professionals. It was held in the presence of the Secretary of State for Culture, Creative Industries and Historical Heritage, Bakary Sarr, who praised the organizers' commitment to the development of cinema.

In his address, he reiterated the directives of the highest authorities in the country, aimed at assessing the current state of the cultural, craft, and tourism sectors. According to him, the initiatives undertaken at the University of Saint-Louis concretely illustrate this commitment, while also contributing to the decentralization of cultural policies.

Bakary Sarr also highlighted the current dynamism of Senegalese cinema, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening professional training. While national productions are gaining international visibility and recognition, he believes that further efforts are needed to consolidate the creative economy.

Reaffirming the State's support, he emphasized the need to develop adequate infrastructure and establish more suitable regulatory frameworks. His objective, he explained, is to better structure the sector in order to foster the growth of all professions related to the Senegalese film industry.