The Majestic Yaounde I University cinema complex officially opened its doors on Friday, 27 February 2026, during a formal ceremony presided over by the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education

 

The evening gave the university community the opportunity to be one with the cinema. The cinema is making a grand come-back to the University of Yaounde I. Seated in the cinema auditorium were the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, the Rector of UYI, members of the diplomatic corps, officials from MINESUP and other government services, senior UYI officials, students and, above all, cultural figures such as Basseck Ba Kobhio and Daniel Ndo (Uncle Otsama)

 

In his welcome address, Professor Remy Magloire Etoua, Rector of the UYI, expressed gratitude and hailed the return of the cinema to the hills of Ngoa- Ekelle. Symbol of a thriving, creative and innovative university. He expressed gratitude to the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, for his support and willingness to assist in the reopening of this platform for wealth creation and the translation of academic knowledge into practical skills in the field of cinema

 

One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of the short film entitled ‘Dernier souffle’, produced by students of the UYI’s Performing Arts and Cinematography department. The film recounted the story of young people trapped in the grip of psychotropic substances and facing horrific consequences. According to Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, it is a symbol of a marginalized youth. He nevertheless praised the creative genius of the production team, which is following in the footsteps of illustrious predecessors such as Basseck Ba Kobhio, director of the film *Sango Malo*

 

The talent of the Yaounde I students was also showcased through artistic performances by the University Ballet, the Glorious Voices choir and the comedian Amadou Bouna