Cannes Film Festival: African Fashion by SOROBIS Makes History.

In general, we all have many dreams. But having the audacity, courage, and perseverance to make them come true is another story. Believing in your dreams is good, but making them a reality through actions is even better! For example, how many of you dream or have dreamed of participating in the Cannes Film Festival? Not just anyone can come to Cannes! Indeed, the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous and famous festivals in the world, where a parade of movie stars walks the iconic red carpet and ascends the prestigious steps. While a crowd of mesmerized spectators with eyes filled with glimmering anticipation patiently wait to catch a glimpse, exchange words, or secure an autograph, the stars showcase their elegant and surprising looks. This undoubtedly fabulous event is highly sought after. For over 70 years, Cannes has been hosting this grand international film festival. For two weeks, magazines, television, radio... all media outlets talk about it! It's even the fourth most talked-about global event after the World Cup, the Olympics, and the Tour de France.

It's worth noting, however, that the Cannes Film Festival was considered elitist and inaccessible for people of color for a long time. The festival struggled with lack of diversity and inclusion, a subject that has been consistently and seriously criticized over the years. And the issue persists even today. Through collective efforts and a global will for change, the festival continues to evolve in a more positive direction, becoming more open and emphasizing diversity. This is evidenced, for instance, by the inclusion of the "Pavillon Afriques" founded by Karine Barclais, which was introduced to the international village 4 years ago. This initiative allows for the presentation of content that highlights the diversity and variety of African cinema and television, marking a historic first for the Cannes Film Festival after over 70 years. Better late than never! Similarly, the Festival has improved in promoting gender parity, exemplified by Matti Diop, a Franco-Senegalese actress and producer. Her film "Atlantics," released in 2019, became the first film by a Black female director selected for the prestigious main competition of the Festival. She became the first Black female director to compete for the most prestigious award at the Cannes Film Festival, following the Palme d'Or and the Grand Jury Prize. This achievement marked a significant success by a Black woman that left a lasting impact in 72 years. In 2021, the Cannes Film Festival chose to honor American director Spike Lee as the president of the jury for the 74th edition, the first Black individual to hold this position. The selection of this prominent filmmaker in the Black community, known for creating both activist and mainstream films, sends a strong message once again from the world's most prestigious film festival.

For this 76th edition, the presence of six African films in the official selection, a "never-before-seen" occurrence, is the big surprise of the 2023 edition of the world's largest film festival. Africa has never been so well represented at Cannes. Two African filmmakers were in the running for the Palme d'Or, which has not been awarded to an African film in nearly 50 years. Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania for her documentary "Les filles d'Olfa" and Senegalese Ramata Toulaye-Sy, at 36, the youngest competitor, for her debut feature film "Banel et Adama." .

Algerian Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina is, to this day, the only African filmmaker to have received the Palme d'Or in 1975, the highest distinction on the Croisette, with "Chronicle of the Years of Embers." This year's Carrosse d'Or award, part of the Directors' Fortnight, was bestowed upon 82-year-old Malian Souleymane Cissé, one of the greatest African filmmakers of all time. The 2023 edition has truly changed the game. "There's a before and an after-Cannes," rightly remarked Iris Knobloch, the new president of the Festival.

Can we now say that marginalized or underrepresented African cinema has found its place?

It seems so! As a sign that the tide is turning, these impactful examples demonstrate that the Cannes Film Festival increasingly values diversity and innovation. How? By joining forces with the "Pavillon Afriques," which has become an essential and referenced ally of the Festival, promoting the 7th art and the culture of the African continent.

Of course, speaking of the Cannes Film Festival wouldn't be complete without mentioning fashion. Cannes has become the annual gathering for major fashion houses and young creators to adorn all the beautiful people of the film world. A true media frenzy, dressing a star in Cannes is worth more than any advertisement in a magazine. This bidding war to dress movie stars in clothing, jewelry, gemstones, handbags, and even shoes has become a real market. However, it must be acknowledged that African fashion designers are nearly nonexistent: lack of visibility, interest, and media coverage. This is to the great frustration of Africa, as the continent is teeming with gems and exceptional talents. The good news is that an American designer of Burkinabe origin, Sorobis, a visionary and pioneer, decided to break the norms and change the game. He accomplished the seemingly impossible by participating. It was a daring bet that he successfully achieved by presenting the Saramany International 2nd edition with its inaugural show in New York. He showcased his splendid collection "Delwendé" within the Pavillon Afriques during the 76th edition of the festival. This makes him the first person of African origin to present African fashion at the Cannes Film Festival. This achievement was celebrated by all of Africa and its diaspora, making his ancestors proud. He did it despite doubts and succeeded where no one expected him to. It wasn't easy, especially considering that just days before the show, the festival hadn't yet granted its permission. Nevertheless, the goal was achieved. He believed in his dream and pursued it with unwavering faith. The name of his collection isn't coincidental, as it was chosen to say THANK YOU to God.

It's a way of telling everyone to always have faith in God. To stage this spectacular show, around fifteen people were mobilized, including models, fashion stylists, and a trending accessories designer who came all the way from C?te d'Ivoire, Kitat Créations. This fruitful collaboration delighted the festival-goers.

What could be more wonderful than May 25th, the date of the show, coinciding with the Africa Day celebration?

A masterfully orchestrated spectacle of exceptional quality illuminated the African textile with a thousand lights, acclaimed and applauded by the international audience who had gathered from all corners of the world to celebrate Africa in all its splendor.

History will remember that, for the first time, African fashion was associated with the Cannes Film Festival - something unprecedented! Needless to say, there was a LOT OF BUZZ in the media. Not to mention the presence of VIP guests, diplomats, Afro-American celebrities such as the cast of the film "Black Terror," Director Richard Lawson (husband of Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother), whose premiere took place within the Pavillon Afriques. And not forgetting to mention the Ambassador of Nigeria to France, His Excellency Kayode Laro, who honored the event with his presence. It was a beautiful way to have concluded the Cannes Film Festival on such a high note, with a joyous audience.

Certainly, the journey ahead is still long, and there's much work to be done. It's indeed extraordinary and a source of pride to be the first African designer to showcase African fashion at the Cannes Film Festival. Paradoxically, it's still saddening that in 2023, we are still talking about being the first Black person in a certain field. It's important to have more representation and a greater number of voices. Thankfully, progress is being made gradually. In fact, the renowned Franco-Ivorian actress Claudia Tagbo, who was presenting her short film, caused a sensation on the red carpet in traditional pagne fabric at the Cannes Film Festival. Simply Beautiful!

Let's salute the designer Sorobis’s achievement who, through his audacity, has made his mark at the Cannes Film Festival! Thanks to his remarkable accomplishment, the door is now open for African creators and those of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. This is a significant step that instills hope in the next generation. He demonstrated that by uniting our forces, we become stronger. "It's a victory that I proudly dedicate to all Africa. It's a feeling of accomplishment and joy. It wasn't a coincidence that we were there. I believe this experience paves the way for African fashion in general," he declared.

As the African proverb says, "Alone we go fast, together we go far." Just Bravo - who dares, wins! It's up to us to continue writing history, as now we can't talk about the future without Africa and its talents. Because Africa is the future of tomorrow, the future economic and entrepreneurial powerhouse of the world!

To conclude, all of this wouldn't have been possible without the trust and support of the Pavillon Afriques, the New York communication agency AlizéLavie Media, the Cultural Ambassador and Businesswoman based in New Jersey, Hinna Zoromé, who provided significant financial support, Black Arts Los Angeles, AFAHO Philadelphia, and the great accessories designer, KITA Créations. Congratulations to designer Sorobis and his entire team, reflecting the Black excellence. The rendez-vous is already set for 2024! A moving train can't be stopped!

Experience the highlights of Saramany International at the Cannes Film Festival through images! Long live African fashion, Vive Saramany International!

Alizé Utteryn