Ivory Coast Storytelling Shines at SICA with Government Support for Emerging Creators

In a vibrant celebration of African storytelling, the 2025 edition of the International Salon for Audiovisual Content (SICA) concluded in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with an award ceremony that highlighted emerging talents and their compelling narratives. Hosted at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, this event served as a platform for filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, and content creators to showcase original projects across various formats.

The competition was organized under four categories: professional fiction, amateur fiction, documentary, and alternative formats. Each participant had just five minutes to pitch their project before a distinguished jury led by Ivory Coast TV presenter and producer Patricia Kalou. The atmosphere was electric as presenters captivated the audience with diverse presentation styles, from audiovisual aids to dramatic character portrayals.

Among the standout winners was Franck Vléhi, who clinched first place in the professional film and series category with his project "Manley." Inspired by a West African legend, this drama explores the story of a young girl destined for sacrifice to ensure her village's survival. Vléhi expressed his deep connection to Ivorian tradition, emphasizing the importance of telling indigenous stories authentically.

In the amateur category, Polha Andrea emerged victorious with her series "Paire de Trois" ("Pair of Three"), which delves into complex themes of family power dynamics, social hypocrisy, and gender double standards through a love triangle narrative. Her win marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career as a producer.

Cissé Babou won in the documentary category for "Tout en direct" ("Everything Live"), a poignant exploration of the implications of live streaming in contemporary society. Babou's motivation stemmed from a personal tragedy—learning of her mother's passing through a WhatsApp status—which inspired her to investigate the societal impact of constant digital exposure.

Yato Nejy captured the alternative formats category with Aucun Repos, a digital platform producing short videos that challenge stereotypes using humor and kindness. Despite its recent launch in February 2025, Aucun Repos quickly gained traction, amassing over 12 million views across social media platforms within just three months.

The SICA Business Hub pitch competition exemplifies the Ivory Coast government's commitment to nurturing local creative talent. By providing essential support, including funding and mentorship, this initiative enables creators to transform ideas into fully realized projects, fostering innovation and growth within the audiovisual industry.

As demonstrated by the achievements of this year's winners, SICA is more than just an event; it serves as a dynamic ecosystem driving the development of Côte d'Ivoire's audiovisual landscape. Through such initiatives, the country aims to amplify its unique stories on both regional and international stages, positioning itself as a vital player in the global entertainment arena.