Sharpen your pencils and power up those tablets: Bilili BD Festival is making a spectacular comeback from December 1st to 7th at the Institut Français du Congo (IFC), right in the vibrant heart of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo!
Africa’s biggest celebration of comics, art, gaming, and storytelling is back louder, bolder, and more creative than ever.
This year, the festival is throwing down a challenge to every creator and fan out there: Are you a HERO… or a LEGEND?
More than just a comic festival, Bilili BD is a dynamic playground where culture meets creativity.
It’s a place where artists, gamers, animators, and storytellers from across the continent unite to share ideas, showcase talent, and spark collaborations that push Africa’s creative industry forward.
Built on a mission to amplify African voices, bridge artistic communities, and shine a global spotlight on local talent, Bilili BD has become a melting pot of imagination and innovation.
This year’s edition carries the inspiring theme “(Super) héro du quotidien” celebrating the real-life heroes among us who embody courage, resilience, and determination every day. No capes. No superpowers. Just heart, grit, and passion.
The festival features:
- Exhibitions & sales of artwork and comics
- Meet & greets, signings, and conferences with authors and creators
- Masterclasses & workshops for aspiring artists
- Video game demonstrations & battles
- Cosplay contests, comic drawing battles, and competitions with prizes
- Free entry for many festival events meaning you don’t need a big budget to join the action.
Past editions have welcomed creators from across Africa, like Barly Baruti (RDC) and Ayodele Elegba (Nigeria), as well as French and Pan-African artists, adding diversity to the festival’s creative dialogue.
2025’s Key Battles & Highlights
This December, you can expect:
- Battle BD — dynamic drawing face-offs
- Video Game Battle — gamers compete for supremacy
- Bilili Cosplay Contest (BCC) — bringing heroes from panel to life
- Lili Prize 2025 — celebrating the highest comic excellence
The festival promises lots of prizes: graphic tablets, full drawing kits, figurines, one-year IFC subscriptions, and more.
Festival Nomad & Anticipation
Bilili BD was first launched around 2015–2016 by Joëlle Epée Mandengue (also known as Elyon), drawing from her passion to uplift African comic voices.
This year marks a renewal in its journey. Its website notes that the site is preparing for the 2025 pop-up edition.
The festival’s Instagram also hints at a decade of creative celebration, aligning with its roots and growing legacy.
Ready to Join the Fun?
Don’t miss your chance to dive into Bilili BD Festival 2025 in Brazzaville from 1st to 7th December.
It’s where comic lovers, gamers, illustrators, and storytellers gather to compete, learn, connect and celebrate the power of African imagination.
For updates, contest rules, and registration info, check out the official site (coming soon) at bilili-bd.com and the festival’s Instagram page @bililibdfestival