Sheikh A. Tijan Nyang, Co-Proprietor and Adviser to the Head of School of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG), has been awarded a certificate in recognition of his selfless service and contribution to the successful organisation of the 17th edition of the African Film Festival held in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, USA.
The annual festival, held from 8th to 11th October 2026, featured 76 films from 33 African countries — a remarkable achievement for the organisers.
The event partners included the Sunnu Reew Medical Mission, which coordinates programmes that bring medical personnel to volunteer in Gambian hospitals every year. The mission also brings containers of medical items and equipment for donation to the Ministry of Health.
Receiving the award, an elated Mr. Nyang paid glowing tribute to Dr. Sona Jobarteh, a Gambian musician, who he credited as a visionary icon who has played a central role in promoting The Gambia as a tourism destination.
He said Sona Jobarteh has brilliant ideas on how to transform the educational system in The Gambia through a traditional and local approach.
He called on all to collectively support her academy, as an internationally recognised first female professional virtuoso of the kora to emerge from one of West Africa's historic griot dynasties, breaking a 700-year-old tradition in which mastery of the instrument was passed exclusively from father to son.
"The Gambia is the most peaceful destination in Africa and that is why the country is called The Smiling Coast of Africa. Tourists visit other parts of Africa to see wildlife and they come to The Gambia to meet and greet friendly crocodiles, monkeys among other friendly animals," he said.
He also described Bakadaji Hotel as a home away from home — beautiful and environmentally friendly, with good food offering both international and local cuisine and, above all, friendly and hospitable staff.
Team leader Lission Richards, CEO who also coordinates the Zakat Charity, said: "I and my team have an obligation to give back what belongs to the people and that's what God has sent us to do as children of God."
Wolla Badjie, a Gambian medical professional based in the UK who is also part of the Sunnu Reew team, said the country needs support, especially in the medical field. "We need to support them by all means possible," he said.
Founding Director Chike C. Nwoffiah described the occasion as a vibrant platform for storytelling, culture and artistry that define African and Diaspora cinema. The 2026 edition, he said, was an unforgettable celebration of creativity, dialogue and community.
"From gripping dramas to heart-warming documentaries, this film festival is a testament to the incredible talent that resides within the African continent and its Diaspora. Together, we shine a light on African and Diaspora stories and ensure their resonance here in Silicon Valley and beyond," he said.
Ash Kalra, Assembly Member of the 25th Assembly District of California, said African films have created a unique space for Africans and African Diaspora filmmakers to tell their own stories, share their perspectives and connect audiences with the diversity and richness of the African continent and its global Diaspora.
Among the films screened were Queen Kitami by Arnold Abayo from Uganda, 40 Years of Crafting Africa from Nigeria, Shadow and Light: A Refugee's Journey by Tahan Patrick Constantino of the US, What Shall I Wear for My Funeral by Robert Mutabi Macharia from Kenya, Weight by Nico Abot from Zimbabwe, and Where I Got My Name: Down In Mississippi by Jea Lenoir from the US.