Paris prepares to roll out the red carpet for a celebration of diversity and storytelling. For its 7th edition, the International Festival of African and Caribbean Film and Art (AFSC) has appointed a figurehead who perfectly embodies the bridge between cultures: the acclaimed actor, director, and screenwriter Lucien Jean-Baptiste. The event is set to take place at the prestigious EICAR campus in Paris from December 10 to 20, 2025.
The “L’Afrique Fait Son Cinéma” (AFSC) festival has long been a beacon for Pan-African and Caribbean narratives in Europe. By selecting Lucien Jean-Baptiste as the patron for its 2025 edition, the festival is sending a powerful message of unity, popular success, and artistic integrity.
A Career Defined by Voice, Vision, and Heart
Lucien Jean-Baptiste is far more than a familiar face in French cinema; he is a trailblazer who has reshaped how diversity is portrayed on the big screen.
The Voice of Legends Before stepping in front of the camera, Jean-Baptiste conquered the auditory landscape of French cinema. Possessing a distinctive and charismatic vocal timbre, he became the official French voice for some of Hollywood’s biggest African-American stars, including Chris Rock, Don Cheadle, Martin Lawrence, and the legendary Eddie Murphy. This early career cemented his connection to the rhythm of comedy and the art of storytelling.
Breaking Barriers with Humor His transition to directing marked a turning point in French cultural history. His 2009 directorial debut, La Première Étoile (The First Star), was a critical and commercial phenomenon. Drawing from his own Caribbean heritage, the film told the story of a West Indian family going on a ski vacation. It was a masterclass in “feel-good” cinema—tackling issues of integration, prejudice, and identity not with anger, but with warmth, tenderness, and universal humor. The film earned him a César nomination and the Grand Prix at the Alpe d’Huez Film Festival.
A Cinema of Inclusion Jean-Baptiste continued to explore the nuances of the black French experience with hits like Il a déjà tes yeux (He Even Has Your Eyes – 2016), a subversive comedy about a black couple adopting a white baby. Through his work, he has championed a specific brand of cinema: one that is deeply rooted in Afro-Caribbean culture yet unapologetically mainstream and accessible to all audiences. He has proven that stories about minority families are, simply put, stories about families.
As patron of the AFSC, Lucien Jean-Baptiste brings this legacy of inclusivity. He represents a generation of artists who have successfully navigated the complexities of the industry while staying true to their roots.
7th Edition: A Hub for Global Creativity
From December 10 to 20, 2025, the festival will transform the EICAR (The International Film & Television School of Paris) into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange.
The 7th edition promises a curated selection of films that challenge stereotypes and highlight the dynamism of the African continent and its diaspora. By hosting the event at EICAR, a leading film school, the organizers are emphasizing mentorship and transmission.
With Lucien Jean-Baptiste at the helm, attendees can expect:
- In-depth Masterclasses: Where the director will share insights on navigating the film industry as a creator of color.
- Film Screenings: A showcase of shorts, documentaries, and feature films from Lagos to Pointe-à-Pitre.
- Artistic Dialogue: Panels discussing the future of co-productions between Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Essential Information
- Event: 7th Edition of “L’Afrique Fait Son Cinéma”
- Dates: December 10–20, 2025
- Venue: EICAR, Paris (Ivry-sur-Seine)
- Patron: Lucien Jean-Baptiste
- Focus: Cinema, Art, VR, and Industry Networking
- The festival will open with the screening of Muganga, directed by Marie-Hélène Roux. This powerful film pays tribute to Dr. Denis Mukwege, the renowned gynecologist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
This December, join Lucien Jean-Baptiste and the AFSC team for a festival that promises not just to show movies, but to build bridges.
