ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — In the glittering ballroom of Abidjan’s Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, the pulse of Ivorian creativity was palpable as the 2025 edition of the International Salon for Audiovisual Content (SICA) came to a close with the much-anticipated award ceremony of the pitch competition, an initiative spotlighting the next generation of storytellers from across the African region.
As part of SICA’s third edition, the Ministry of Communication and the Media Support and Development Agency (ASDM) issued a call for pitches, encouraging filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, and content creators to submit original projects across film, television, and digital formats as part of the SICA Business Hub.
Four categories – professional fiction, amateur fiction, documentary, and alternative formats – gave emerging and established creators the chance to pitch their projects before a jury of industry professionals led by Ivory Coast TV presenter and producer Patricia Kalou.
On June 26, night one of the salon, participants had just five minutes to make their case. Some used audiovisual supports, others opted for more dramatic renditions of their pitches, transforming themselves into the characters their projects have created. The audience responded enthusiastically, showering the most compelling pitches with rousing ovations, though every presentation earned praise.
The winners were unveiled during the next evening’s star-studded closing ceremony, attended by Ivorian government ministers and international guests.
In the professional film and series category, Franck Vléhi took top honors with “Manley,” a drama praised by the jury for its strong cinematic potential and narrative mastery. The project earned him a development grant of 25 million CFA Francs (approx. $45,000).
Rooted in a West African legend, “Manley” weaves a historical and spiritual tale of a young girl born to be sacrificed for the survival of her village. As past and present converge, the film reflects on memory and tradition.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Manley,” Vlehi shared, “The chance to tell a story rooted in Ivorian tradition, a living legend from our own history, moved me deeply.” He continued, “If we don’t tell our stories, if we don’t claim them as ours, others will come and tell them for us.”
The amateur category went to Polha Andrea for her sharp, character-driven series “Paire de Trois” (“Pair of Three”), securing 5 million CFA Francs in funding (approx. $9,000). A relative newcomer to the scene, Andréa’s win marked a breakout moment for the young producer.
A tangled love triangle set against the backdrop of family power, social hypocrisy and gender double standards, “Paire de Trois” follows Aridja as she navigates betrayal, passion, and personal freedom. The series is planned for a 52-episode arc, each one running 26 minutes.
In the documentary category, Cissé Babou was awarded for “Tout en direct” (“Everything Live”), a very personal examination of the rise and risks of live streaming in modern society. Babou shared with Variety that she tragically learned of her mother’s passing through a WhatsApp status. Her work sheds light on the impact of constant digital exposure, earning her a development grant of 10 million CFA Francs (approx. $18,000.
Finally, in the alternative formats category, Yato Nejy was awarded for Aucun Repos, a digital platform producing short videos that challenge stereotypes “with humor and kindness.” Just three months after its February 2025 launch, Aucun Repos already amassed more than 12 million views across Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, quickly building a following by giving a platform to voices often overlooked.
The Ivory Coast government’s commitment to nurturing local creative talent to be able to tell authentic, homegrown stories was clear throughout this edition of SICA. Through initiatives like the SICA Business Hub pitch competition, the Ministries of Communication and Culture and other local actors offer crucial support to help creators turn ideas into fully-realized projects, fostering both innovation and a thriving audiovisual industry.
SICA’s pitch competition acts as a powerful vehicle for accelerating the development pipeline, offering creators direct access to funding, mentorship, and industry exposure. As demonstrated by the success of this year’s winners across film, series, and documentary categories, SICA is not just an event, it’s a dynamic ecosystem driving the growth of Côte d’Ivoire’s audiovisual landscape and amplifying the country’s unique stories on both a regional and international stage.
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