The Government of Quebec Congratulates Vues d’Afrique on Its 40th Anniversary

Grégoire Diamant, Director for Africa and the Middle East at Quebec’s Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie, reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to the African continent on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Vues d’Afrique Festival.

The Ministry, a long-time partner of the event, highlights through this collaboration its key role in promoting cultural and diplomatic exchanges between Quebec and African nations. “It is only natural for us to be associated with this festival, which for forty years has been building bridges between our cultures and bringing our peoples closer together,” said Mr. Diamant.

The Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie of Quebec (MRIF) currently maintains close ties with several African countries. Three representations are established there: the Quebec General Delegation in Dakar, the Quebec Office in Abidjan, and the Quebec Office in Rabat for the Maghreb region.

Each year, the MRIF launches calls for bilateral cooperation projects that encourage collaboration among educational institutions, research organizations, and businesses. These initiatives aim to strengthen partnerships across various fields and to support cultural, economic, and scientific exchanges.

Grégoire Diamant also emphasized the importance that the current government places on relations with Africa. For example, the Minister of International Relations, Martine Biron, has already carried out three official missions to the continent since taking office.

In discussing the Vues d’Afrique Festival, Mr. Diamant paid tribute to Gérald Lechin, the event’s founder, for his dedication and passion. According to him, Vues d’Afrique has become the largest African and Creole film festival in North America.

“It is no coincidence that this festival takes place in Quebec,” he added. “It shows the deep interest Quebecers have in Africa and in Francophone cinema, which can fully flourish here.”

By celebrating this 40th edition, Quebec reaffirms its role as a bridge between Francophone cultures of the North and South, and its lasting commitment to building strong, human, and creative relationships with Africa.