The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in a first, is participating at the one of Africa’s oldest film festivals, known by its French acronym FESPACO. The event is being held from February 23rd to March 2nd in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou. For 2019, FESPACO is held under the theme “Memory of African Cinema”. Partaking in the judge panel, the OIC is looking for a motion picture that helps spread the message of tolerance and bring peoples of the world closer to each other and bridge the gap separating civilizations. The international body is also expected to announce its first-ever film award on the sidelines of FESPACO. Mahla Bint Ahmed Talibna, OIC Director General for Social, Cultural and Family Affairs, said that the body’s participation was approved by OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen reflects the vision upheld by leaders of member states. “This participation is correct because it is time for the organization to work on programs that reflect its vision on spreading cultural diversity, representing Islam and Muslims worldwide, and promoting moderation in the fight against ideological extremism, which distorted the true image of Islam,” Talibna told Asharq Al-Awsat. Talibna stressed that participating in film festivals is also driven by the fact that, for a long time, the big screen was one of the mechanisms exploited by extremists in the West to vilify Islam. “We hope that the message go through in order to achieve OIC charter goals for promoting a culture of coexistence, moderation and dialogue among all,” she said. “The prize and the participation in truth is the beginning of a long process of introducing Islam and moderation. There is no doubt that some minds need change and this needs time, and perhaps it was the reason behind the delay in OIC engagement in this field.” On the prospects and planning for an OIC-organized film festival, Talibna said: “Burkina Faso last year submitted a draft proposal for the OIC award to be presented on the sidelines of FESPACO 2019.”