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Showing posts with label Laurentine Bayala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laurentine Bayala. Show all posts

31 January 2023

Marie-Laurentine Bayala: Patriotes - FESPACO 2023 - Selection Officielle


Marie-Laurentine Bayala
Patriotes
FESPACO 2023
Selection Officielle



Synopsis

Yeli’s love overflows for her husband Opior, injured during an attack on the frontline. Strengthened by their past, the couple fight to find once again their promise of a happy life.

Yeli déborde d’amour pour son mari OPIOR blessé au cours d’une attaque au front. Fortifiés par leur passé, le couple se bat pour retrouver sa promesse de vie heureuse.


23 February 2020

Festival Films Femmes Afrique 2020 - Marie Laurentine Bayala : Au fantôme du père (To the Ghost of the Father)

Marie Laurentine Bayala
Au fantôme du père
(To the Ghost of the Father)
Burkina Faso - 2018 - 51 min - Documentary



Synopsis

La réalisatrice suit dans ce documentaire les traces de Claire Lagedemond, métisse franco- burkinabè, dans sa quête identitaire pour retrouver son père qu’elle n’a plus revu depuis son enfance. Née en Côte d’Ivoire, elle a grandi au village. Au Burkina, auprès de sa grand-mère illettrée, âgée aujourd’hui de plus de 40 ans. Elle est obstinée à retrouver ce père devenu un fantôme pour elle. Aussi, Claire se bat pour éviter que cette même situation n’arrive pas à son fils dont le père est absent. Dans ce film, on a l'impression d'être emporté par une enquête qui va de Ouagadougou à Abidjan, dont on tient absolument à connaître le dénouement. Tous les ingrédients de ce genre semblent réunis : Un personnage dense, du suspens et même une dose d’humour. L'autre fait, est que ce film incarne le message en prenant la forme d'une lettre filmée destinée à ce père-fantôme…  Au fantôme du père de Marie Laurentine Bayala. Extrait d'un analyze par Bengnime Rachelle Some. Source: JCFA NEWS No. 3 Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image. 

In this documentary, the director follows the path of mixed-race Franco-Burkinabe, Claire Lagedemond in her journey of identity to find her father, whom she has not seen since childhood. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, she grew up in the village. In Burkina, with her non-literate grandmother, she is now more than 40 years old and determined to find the father who for her has become a ghost. Also, Claire fights to prevent this same situation from happening to her son whose father is also absent. In this film, one has the impression of being transported into an investigation that goes from Ouagadougou to Abidjan, of which we absolutely want to know the outcome. All the ingredients seem to come together: A strong character, suspense and even a dose of humour. The other fact is that the film embodies the message taking the form of a filmed letter intended for the ghost-father…  Au fantôme du père by Marie Laurentine Bayala. Excerpt of analysis by Bengnime Rachelle Some. Source: JCFA NEWS No. 3 Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image. 

Biographie | Biography

La réalisatrice Marie Laurentine Bayala travaille dans les nouveaux médias depuis 2008. Elle a réalisé plus de neuf films, dont «Jusqu'au Bout», un film sur les violences contre les femmes. Le film a remporté un grand honneur au festival régional du film Ciné Droit Libre et a été présenté au plus grand festival cinématographique d'Afrique, FESPACO, en 2011 et sur la chaîne de télévision TV5 Africa. Elle a remporté le fonds de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie pour faire de «The Fight goes on» son dernier court métrage. Elle a étudié la communication et le journalisme à l'Université de Ouagadougou et a obtenu une maîtrise en documentaire à l'Université Gaston Berger au Sénégal.

Filmmaker Marie Laurentine Bayala has worked in new media since 2008. She has directed more than nine films, including Jusqu'au Bout a film examining violent acts against women. The film won a top honor at Ciné Droit Libre regional film festival and was shown at Africa’s largest film festival, FESPACO, in 2011 and on the TV channel TV5 Africa. She won the International Organization of La Francophonie fund to make "The Fight goes on" her last short film. She studied communication and journalism at the University of Ouagadougou and received her Master’s in documentary filmmaking from Gaston Berger University in Senegal.



13 September 2018

Women at the | Frauen beim | Les Femmes au : Afrika Film Festival Köln - 13. - 23. September 2018



WOMEN AT THE | FRAUEN BEIM | LES FEMMES AU :
13. - 23. September 2018 

Fokus:

Innerafrikanische Migration
Theme: Migrations in Africa
Thème : Migrations en Afrique

Josza Anjembe
Machérie Ekwa Bahango
Khadidiatou Sow
Hawa Essuman
Safi Faye
Selly Raby Kane
Ng’endo Mukii
Marie Laurentine Bayala
Apolline Traoré

Gastbeitrag | Guest Contribution | Contribution d’invitée 
Fatima Sissani : Der Blick von Innen | The inside view | Le regarde la dedans


Josza Anjembe (France-Cameroon) Le bleu blanc rouge de mes cheveux, 2016

English
Seyna, a seventeen-year-old Cameroonian adolescent, is passionate about the history of France, the country where she was born and which she loves very much. Having obtained her baccalaureate and approaching adulthood, Seyna has only one desire, to acquire French nationality. But her father Amidou is fiercely opposed to it.

Français
À dix-sept ans, Seyna, une adolescente camerounaise se passionne pour l'histoire de la France, le pays qui l'a vue naître et dont elle est profondément amoureuse. Son baccalauréat en poche et sa majorité approchant, Seyna n'aspire qu'à une chose : acquérir la nationalité française. Mais son père Amidou s'y oppose farouchement.

Machérie Ekwa Bahango, (DR Kongo), Maki’la, 2018

English
Maki observes the sapeurs with a mixture of amusement and scorn. They’re all the family she has, this group of young men who use the streets of Kinshasa as their stage, showing off their wild mix of street chic and stolen designer fashions. Maki has been on the streets a long time and is married to Mbingazor, the gang’s boss. But at some point, the 19-year-old has had enough of this gang of boys, who are too busy getting high and drunk to do anything with themselves. Survival must be secured. The next time money for food runs out, Maki crosses paths with the much younger Acha. This newcomer is a fresh arrival in Kinshasa, and doesn’t yet know the rules. Spurred on by Acha’s beginner’s luck as a thief, the pair set off on an adventure together, which soon arouses Mbingazor’s jealousy.

This debut packs in a whole lot: The drama of the story, the raw opulence of the setting and street cred of the actors are all striking cinematic statements. Machérie Ekwa Bahango is part of a group of young filmmakers in Kinshasa working to revitalise Congolese cinema and create works that equally appeal to their own home audiences.

Français
Makila est une jeune fille de 19 ans qui vit dans la rue depuis l'âge de 13 ans. A son arrivée, elle a été accueillie par le caïd Mbingazor, un délinquant albinos, qui l'a initiée à la façon de vivre, ou plutôt de survivre, dans la rue : drogue, prostitution, vol… Les deux finissent par se marier. Devenue femme de caïd, Makila engage à son service des enfants qui volent pour elle, en échange d'une protection et de quelques miettes. Elle arrête ainsi de se prostituer. Makila et Mbingazor forment le couple le plus respecté de la rue, mais très vite, leur relation basée sur l'exploitation et la violence, commence à ennuyer la jeune fille qui se sent prisonnière. Elle décide de quitter Mbingazor…


Khadidiatou Sow, (Senegal) Une Place dans l‘Avion, 2017

English
A radio station announces that a special aircraft to the US is at the disposal of any traveller wishing to emigrate, on demand. But there is a limited number of places. Moussa, who has always dreamt of leaving, decides to set off.

Français
Une station de radio annonce qu'un avion spécial à destination des États-Unis vient d'être mis à la disposition de tout voyageur désireux d'émigrer, sans aucune formalité ou contrainte. Sauf que les places sont limitées. Moussa qui a toujours rêvé de partir se découvre des capacités insoupçonnés.

Hawa Essuman, Anjali Nayar (Canada/South Africa/Kenya), Silas, 2017

English
Liberian activist, Silas Siakor is a tireless crusader, fighting to crush corruption and environmental destruction in the country he loves.

Through the focus on one country, Silas is a global tale that warns of the power of politics and celebrates the power of individuals to fight back. One man's battle gains momentum and emboldens communities to raise their fists and smartphones, seize control of their lands and protect their environment. It is a new generation of resistance.

Français
Activiste libérien Silas Siakor est un militant infatigable qui se bat pour écraser la corruption et la destruction de l'environnement dans le pays qu'il aime.

En visant sur son pays, Silas est un conte mondial qui met en garde contre le pouvoir de la politique et au même temps célèbre le pouvoir des individus à se défendre. La bataille d'un homme prend de l'ampleur et encourage les communautés à lever le poing et les smartphones, à prendre le contrôle de leurs terres et à protéger leur environnement. C'est une nouvelle génération de résistance.

Safi Faye (Senegal), Kaddu Beykat (Letter From My Village) 1975

English
Ngor and Coumba live in a small village of farmers-breeders in Senegal live. They have wanted to get marry for the past two years. And again this year, the harvest is bad ... The rains are insufficient, irregular. Groundnut, a colonial-era crop, the only marketable produce, is harvested only once a year.

Français
Dans un petit village d'agriculteurs-éleveurs au Sénégal habitent Ngor et Coumba. Il y a maintenant deux ans que Ngor désire épouser Coumba. Et cette année encore, la récolte est mauvaise... Les pluies sont insuffisantes, irrégulières. Or l'arachide, culture coloniale, la seule commercialisable, ne se récolte qu'une fois par an.

Selly Raby Kane (Senegal) The Other Dakar, 2017

English
In this dreamlike 360º film, we follow a girl in her journey through “The other Dakar”, a place where artists hold the secret wonders of the city.

Français
Une petite fille est choisie et reçoit un message pour découvrir le visage caché de Dakar. Un hommage 360º à la mythologie sénégalaise. Embarquez dans l’univers fantastique et foisonnant de l’artiste, et découvrez la face cachée de la capitale sénégalaise.

Ng’endo Mukii (Kenya) Nairobi Berries, 2017

English
In the empty spaces we cannot claim as our own, in forests full of smoke and beneath waters dappled with bougainvillea, two women and a man wrangle. Each must hollow out the other’s core for fruits promised but only ever borne, in dreams. For this is Nairobi, the place we call home.

Français
Dans les espaces vides que nous ne pouvons revendiquer comme les nôtres, dans des forêts pleines de fumée et sous les eaux pointées de bougainvilliers, deux femmes et un homme se disputent. Chacun doit creuser le noyau de l’autre pour obtenir des fruits promis mais qui n’été octroyé que dans les rêves. Car c'est Nairobi, l'endroit que nous appelons chez nous.

Marie Laurentine Bayala, (Burkina Faso), Fantôme du Père, 2018

English
In this documentary, the director follows the path of mixed-race Franco-Burkinabe, Claire Lagedemond in her journey of identity to find her father, whom she has not seen since childhood. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, she grew up in the village. In Burkina, with her non-literate grandmother, she is now more than 40 years old and determined to find the father who for her has become a ghost. Also, Claire fights to prevent this same situation from happening to her son whose father is also absent. In this film, one has the impression of being transported into an investigation that goes from Ouagadougou to Abidjan, of which we absolutely want to know the outcome. (To the ghost of the father by Marie Laurentine Bayala. By Bengnime Rachelle Some. Source: JCFA NEWS No. 3 Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image).

Français
La réalisatrice suit dans ce documentaire les traces de Claire Lagedemond, métisse franco- burkinabè, dans sa quête identitaire pour retrouver son père qu’elle n’a plus revu depuis son enfance. Née en Côte d’Ivoire, elle a grandi au village. Au Burkina, auprès de sa grand-mère illettrée, âgée aujourd’hui de plus de 40 ans. Elle est obstinée à retrouver ce père devenu un fantôme pour elle. Aussi, Claire se bat pour éviter que cette même situation n’arrive pas à son fils dont le père est absent. Dans ce film, on a l'impression d'être emporté par une enquête qui va de Ouagadougou à Abidjan, dont on tient absolument à connaître le dénouement. (Au fantôme du père de Marie Laurentine Bayala. Par Bengnime Rachelle Some. Source: JCFA NEWS No. 3 Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image). 

Apolline Traoré (Burkina Faso), Frontières (Borders) 2017

English
As the road movie is a cinematic genre that puts the voyage at the heart of its adventures, by its title ("Frontiers") Apolline Traoré's third feature is framed from the start as a fantastical journey of the problematic passage from one country to another.

[Français]
Le road movie est un genre cinématographique qui met le voyage au cœur de ses péripéties. Par son titre ("Frontières") le troisième long métrage d'Apolline Traoré se pose d'emblée comme un parcours rocambolesque au cours duquel le passage d'un pays à un autre pose problème.

19 June 2018

Mis Me Binga 2018 – Laurentine Bayala : Au fantôme du père | To the Ghost of the Father (Burkina Faso)

Long Métrage – Feature
Documentaire | Documentary
Laurentine Bayala  (Burkina Faso)
Au fantôme du père
(To the Ghost of the Father)

SYNOPSIS

[English]
In this documentary, the director follows the path of mixed-race Franco-Burkinabe, Claire Lagedemond in her journey of identity to find her father, whom she has not seen since childhood. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, she grew up in the village. In Burkina, with her non-literate grandmother, she is now more than 40 years old and determined to find the father who for her has become a ghost. Also, Claire fights to prevent this same situation from happening to her son whose father is also absent. In this film, one has the impression of being transported into an investigation that goes from Ouagadougou to Abidjan, of which we absolutely want to know the outcome. All the ingredients seem to come together: A strong character, suspense and even a dose of humour. The other fact is that the film embodies the message taking the form of a filmed letter intended for the ghost-father. A message that will certainly be carried around the world and which may touch "Mr. Roger". Finally, "this film is an example of a woman’s courage and tenacity, despite her painful journey. It is Claire’s positivity that allowed us to believe in this project, which is now a reality", Laurentine Bayala said to an audience, that through their silence, laughter and comments was very touched by this story. The same is true of the committed production team that took nearly eight years to meet the challenge to see it to fruition. Claire is still pursuing her research. She has since found photographs of her parents. "This information could help to open the path in the hope of filming the reunion between father and daughter," the director hopes. To the ghost of the father by Marie Laurentine Bayala. By Bengnime Rachelle Some. Source: JCFA NEWS No. 3 Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image. 

[Français]
La réalisatrice suit dans ce documentaire les traces de Claire Lagedemond, métisse franco- burkinabè, dans sa quête identitaire pour retrouver son père qu’elle n’a plus revu depuis son enfance. Née en Côte d’Ivoire, elle a grandi au village. Au Burkina, auprès de sa grand-mère illettrée, âgée aujourd’hui de plus de 40 ans. Elle est obstinée à retrouver ce père devenu un fantôme pour elle. Aussi, Claire se bat pour éviter que cette même situation n’arrive pas à son fils dont le père est absent. Dans ce film, on a l'impression d'être emporté par une enquête qui va de Ouagadougou à Abidjan, dont on tient absolument à connaître le dénouement. Tous les ingrédients de ce genre semblent réunis : Un personnage dense, du suspens et même une dose d’humour. L'autre fait, est que ce film incarne le message en prenant la forme d'une lettre filmée destinée à ce père-fantôme. Un message qui certainement sera porté dans le monde entier et touchera peut être "Monsieur Roger". Enfin, "ce film est l'exemple de courage et de ténacité d'une dame, malgré son parcours douloureux. C'est cette positivité de Claire qui nous a permis de croire en ce projet qui, est une réalité à présent", a confié Marie Laurentine Bayala devant un public touché par cette histoire à travers leur silence, rire et commentaires. Même engagement pour l’équipe de production qui a mis près de 8 ans pour relever ce défi de la réalisation. Claire poursuit toujours ses recherches. Elle a elfin trouvé des photos de ses parents . « cette information pourrait permettre de rebondir dans l’espoir de filmer les retrouvailles entre père et fille», espère la réalisatrice. Au fantôme du père de Marie Laurentine Bayala. Par Bengnime Rachelle Some. Source: JCFA NEWS No. 3 Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image. 

BIOGRAPHY | BIOGRAPHIE

[English]
Filmmaker Marie Laurentine Bayala has worked in new media since 2008. She has directed more than nine films, including “Jusqu'au Bout,” a film examining violent acts against women. The film won a top honor at Ciné Droit Libre regional film festival and was shown at Africa’s largest film festival, FESPACO, in 2011 and on the TV channel TV5 Africa. She won the International Organization of La Francophonie fund to make "The Fight goes on" her last short film. She studied communication and journalism at the University of Ouagadougou and received her Master’s in documentary filmmaking from Gaston Berger University in Senegal.

[Français]
La réalisatrice Marie Laurentine Bayala travaille dans les nouveaux médias depuis 2008. Elle a réalisé plus de neuf films, dont «Jusqu'au Bout», un film sur les violences contre les femmes. Le film a remporté un grand honneur au festival régional du film Ciné Droit Libre et a été présenté au plus grand festival cinématographique d'Afrique, FESPACO, en 2011 et sur la chaîne de télévision TV5 Africa. Elle a remporté le fonds de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie pour faire de «The Fight goes on» son dernier court métrage. Elle a étudié la communication et le journalisme à l'Université de Ouagadougou et a obtenu une maîtrise en documentaire à l'Université Gaston Berger au Sénégal.

17 March 2018

Report - Part III: Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image | African Women Image Makers Cinema Days 2018

Part III - FROM THE JCFA NEWS No. 3
Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image African Women Image Makers Cinema Days, Ouagadougou 02 to 07 March 2018
Editor in Chief, Laurentine Bayala
Contributors : Rachelle Bengnime Some,
Photographer : Saïba Baguian

Translation from French by Beti Ellerson

The close of the 5th edition of the JCFA

The lanterns went out on Wednesday 7 March 2018 for the 5th edition of the Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africaine de l’Image. At the official closing ceremony at CENASA the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism was in attendance along with numerous personalities and a large public to celebrate the women of the moving image who met the challenge, despite the difficult environment following recent attacks in Ouagadougou.

Speeches, trophy presentation, musical performance by Sister Doga, the closing film, were the highlights of the closing ceremony of the JCFA. According to the General Delegate of FESPACO: "This edition has made its mark. Apart from the opening ceremony, all the activities were carried out as planned, which are highlighted in this closing ceremony of the JCFA", thanks to the courage of these women to whom he paid tribute. For these women of the moving image, by continuing the festival, they sent a strong signal to the world. For their representative Naky Sy Savané "when the African woman stands, Africa moves forward", imploring the authorities that every effort should be made to further promote the JCFA. The Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism was not indifferent to this message. On behalf of the Government, he congratulated and thanked them for this support. "You are more than sympathetic to our pain. You testify that Burkina Faso is still standing with its friends," he said. During the ceremony, film pioneer Aminata Ouedraogo-Bagayoko and actress Naky Sy Savané received tribute trophies. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the filmmaker Idrissa Ouedraogo and the soldiers who lost their lives during the 2 March terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou.

Bengnime Rachelle Some


Arice Siapi "Every time I come to Burkina Faso, I learn"

Arice SIAPI wears several hats. Promoter of the international multicultural film festival of Ngaoundere, she is also a filmmaker and producer. All this energy that she invests in cinema comes from her love for Ngaoundere, located 900 km from the capital of Cameroon: "My region is isolated from the bustling film culture of the major cities. Moreover, there is no meeting place between professionals. That is why I created this festival.”

Founded in 2009, the multicultural film festival gave her “luck” as there were few opportunities to excel in her art. Through the festival initiatives she was offered training in Europe to strengthen her skills after the screening of her film. Her experiences leads her to the conclusion that cinema is a profession where only the brave ones succeed: "you have to have willpower and tenacity.”

Now she wants to restructure the organisation of her festival to ensure its international reputation. FESPACO and the JCFA already inspire it. She intends to energise and mobilise women around cinematic activities in her native country: "Whenever I come to Burkina Faso, I learn something, even if the realities are not the same. This is the second time that I have attended the JCFA. I realise that there is work to be done at the level of women filmmakers in my country. I'm going to do outreach to women and women's associations so that we can get together to help each other.”

Arice Siapi, who has been an enthusiastic attendee of FESPACO since 2011, received the support of the General Delegate and the head of the festival department. In 2017 they made the trip to Ngaoundéré in order enhance the profile of her festival.

From her point of view, the film industry in Cameroon is in full bloom with the production of television series. However, part of the problem lies with the lack of screenwriters in cinema, because the scenarios tend to focus on telefilms.

By Laurentine Bayala


Au fantôme du père [To the ghost of the father] by Marie Laurentine Bayala: "Dad, where are you"

In this documentary, the director follows the path of mixed-race Franco-Burkinabe, Claire Lagedemond in her journey of identity to find her father, whom she has not seen since childhood. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, she grew up in the village. In Burkina, with her non-literate grandmother, she is now more than 40 years old and determined to find the father who for her has become a ghost. Also, Claire fights to prevent this same situation from happening to her son whose father is also absent. In this film, one has the impression of being transported into an investigation that goes from Ouagadougou to Abidjan, of which we absolutely want to know the outcome. All the ingredients seem to come together: A strong character, suspense and even a dose of humour. The other fact is that the film embodies the message taking the form of a filmed letter intended for the ghost-father. A message that will certainly be carried around the world and which may touch "Mr. Roger". Finally, "this film is an example of a woman’s courage and tenacity, despite her painful journey. It is Claire’s positivity that allowed us to believe in this project, which is now a reality", Laurentine Bayala said to an audience, that through their silence, laughter and comments was very touched by this story. The same is true of the committed production team that took nearly eight years to meet the challenge to see it to fruition. Claire is still pursuing her research. She has since found photographs of her parents. "This information could help to open the path in the hope of filming the reunion between father and daughter," the director hopes.

By Bengnime Rachelle Some


The 5th edition of JCFA closes its doors Wednesday, 7 March 2018. What were the filmgoers’ reactions to the films?

Camille Delevigne, teacher
I was able to attend two sessions at CENASA: a documentary on the rape of women, and a film from Mozambique. I really liked these films that touched on the historical realities of Mozambique and the situation in the DRC regarding the rape of women. We are comforted by the extraordinary work of Dr. Dénis Mukwenge, who we discovered through the magic of the image. We would have liked more people to see these kinds of film that deal with important issues.

Séré Madina, student
This is our first time coming to the JCFA. We came to see the film equipment in the gallery booths. We were able to operate some of the gear and it was really interesting. For the films, I was able to view a documentary on the women who fight everyday to succeed in life.

Ms. Isabelle Ouedraogo, cinephile
Thanks to the JCFA, I was able to see Frontières, a film that I was hoping to see for a long time. I enjoyed the acting and the theme. This film plunges us into the world of these dynamic women entrepreneurs through their experiences and their difficulties. They acted well and I congratulate them. I was able to meet and converse with Naky Sy Savané one of the actresses of the film. Frontières pays tribute to women especially at the eve of March 8th.


Love stronger than bullets

The train D 67 is leaving for Malawi. Will they arrive at their destination despite the soldier escort, which accompanies their movements since the war broke out in the country? Le train de sel et de sucre [The train of salt and sugar], a poignant film during which the characters are gradually revealed as the old and slow moving locomotive enters an increasingly hostile space rumbling with weapons. Despite the crackling of the bullets, a love story is born between nurse Rosa and a soldier, as if to say that love will always triumph over hatred, which is the source of war. How does one talk about the suspense that reaches its climax, when in the middle of the forest the train conductor discovers a skull planted on the rails ... It is a metaphor for life where despite obstacles, one must never abandon ones dreams. This Mozambican film by Licinio Azevedo, won the Golden Tanit at the Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia in 2017.

By Laurentine Bayala

Report - Part I: Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image | African Women Image Makers Cinema Days 2018

Part I - FROM THE JCFA NEWS No. 1
Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image | African Women Image Makers Cinema Days, Ouagadougou 02 to 07 March 2018
Editor in Chief, Laurentine Bayala
Contributors : Rachelle Bengnime Some,
Photographer : Saïba Baguian

Translation from French by Beti Ellerson

Panel: "The women professional in the digital age"

On the occasion of the 5th edition of the Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image (JCFA), a panel was organized on Friday, 2 March 2018, on the theme of this edition, "The women professional in the digital age". The panelists were filmmakers Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda and Mamounata Nikiéma. Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda is a scriptwriter, director, producer, film teacher, writer and poet, has directed several films, including Le damier-papa national oye!, Article 15a bis, Afro@digital and Juju factory, all of which have won prestigious prizes at major festivals, moreover, he is the initiator of the Thomas Sankara prize at FESPACO. As for Mamounata Nikiema, she is director and producer, manager of Pilumpiku Production, author of several documentaries including Savoir raison garder and Lumière d'octobre. Before the panel presentations, the documentary Afro @ digital was screened to contextualise the discussions. Everyone agrees that digital technology has simplified the work of professionals, though to varying degrees. According to Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, whose generation debuted with the 35 mm, Africa has lagged behind because no country has yet developed a digital policy and film industries are absent on the continent. Though digital technology offers more possibilities for cinema, there is nonetheless some misunderstanding.  By focusing on training, this situation could be changed through generational exchange, and the mastery of this tool by moving image professionals of the "digital generation". In this present group is Mamounata Nikiéma, who has been able to make her way into cinema thanks to the digital. For her, digital technology is a tool that has made it possible to democratise cinematographic practice, to organise the profession, to reduce certain costs and delays in post-production and to guarantee freedom of creation. Digital technology is especially a boon for women who can more easily coincide their role as filmmaker, mother and wife. It is this feeling that enlivens Naky Sy Savané actress and promoter of the Ivorian festival, for whom this theme comes at the right moment, as digital technology is in the process of imposing itself.

The panel was moderated by Claire Diao, film critic, co-founder of the pan-African cinema AWOTELE magazine and director of Sudu Connexion.

By Bengnimè Rachelle Some


Acting, film shooting and digital editing: professionals of the moving image take shape

The 5th African Women Image Makers Cinema Days (JCFA) held from March 2 to 7 in the capital of Burkina Faso. Like every edition, this festival gives pride of place to the training of moving image professionals. This year, the focus is on acting, film shooting and digital editing through two workshops. From 1-5 March 2018, at l’Institut supérieur de l’image et du son (ISIS-SE), about thirty trainees will familiarise themselves with or revisit the basic techniques in each of these sectors. The first training workshop on acting is delivered by Fabienne Bichet, professor of public speaking, and actir Ildevert Méda.

Shooting and Digital editing is conducted by Oumarou Kaboré of Media Africa, Jean Yves Nana of FESPACO and Paul JCFA Djibila of ISIS. For the content of the second workshop, Mr. Kaboré, who is one of the trainers, indicated that participants will attend theoretical and practical sessions. "We started with the theoretical aspects on the first day. We are going in the field for the next two days followed by editing sessions. And the content that has been produced will be presented at the closing ceremony, "he explained. Also, even if the digital has  facilitated the work of professionals, everything still needs a solid base, he added. More and more, we see women audiovisual professionals. Training is required to enable everyone to excel in her field.

By Bengnimè Rachelle Some


A tribute to Aminata Ouedraogo at the JCFA 2018
Activist at the very beginning for the promotion of the woman in the audio-visual professions, Aminata Ouedraogo receives a tribute by her peers and the JCFA. On the eve of the launch of the festival, the women met with her in order to show their gratitude for all her actions. On this occasion, she received a present from the women filmmakers. The General Delegate of FESPACO, Ardiouma SOMA was part of the delegation to honour Aminata Ouédraogo. Even in retirement, she continues to share her experience with the younger generation in the Burkina Faso National Union of Women of the Image (UNAFIB). In addition to the films she made, Aminata helped in the organisational aspects of FESPACO and directed the film and television market.

The 5th edition of the Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africain de l'Image (JCFA): the theme “The African woman professional meeting the challenges of the digital age”. According to the responses of some professionals, this is a timely theme. Digital technology is a tool that should be of great assistance to women. Presently, women are in all sectors of cinema and we know that in everyday life, women work more than everyone else. It allows women to better reconcile their family life and their profession. For example, at the same time remaining within the household environment, she is able to run her business, organise her festival, send emails, do long-distance interviews and make video conferences. Digital technology can therefore be a contribution to the work we do if we know how to use it. There are many pitfalls with these technologies, which means we have to use them intelligently.

Melanie de Vales Rafael: "The nurse who wants to save the war-wounded in Le train du sel et du sucre "
Melanie de Vales Rafael, an actress for 8 years, made her break through on the screen in the role of Nuta in "The Republic of Children" accompanied by American actor Danny Glover. Since then, she continues filming in her country Mozambique in"Under the full moon", then in the film "The Train of Salt and Sugar" the opening film at JCFA 2018. "I am a nurse from a wealthy family living in the South. But when the war breaks out in the north of the country, I leave it with the hope of healing the war wounded, "says Melanie. In Ouagadougou, she is the ambassador for this film, directed by Licinio Azevedo who was nominated at the 2018 Oscars "The film was selected for this year's Oscars, but we did not have enough money to do the campaign. Still we are proud that the film was selected, even if in the end we were not among the finalists "she adds. Mozambican cinema is in its infancy, according to the actress, since a film is only produced every 4 years. "We have a great deal of growing pains with many challenges such as looking for funding." Optimism is allowed for this young actress who is also fashion model.

Apolline Traore wins awards beyond our borders
Frontières won Best Film in Los Angeles in the United States during the Pan African Film and Art Festival from 8-19 February. Apolline Traoré dedicated her award to Idrissa Ouédraogo who had just passed away. This is a reminder that through art, the festival creates a greater understanding among afrodescendants.

Khouribga Festival 2018 the Egyptian Kamla Abu Zekri wins the Ousmane Sembène Award
For her film Un jour pour les femmes [A day for women] Kamla Abu Zekri was awarded the Ousmane Sembène prize at the 20th edition of the Khouribga African Film Festival.

Her feature film uses as pretext the news of the opening of a pool in a popular neighbourhood and the fact that it is open only to women on Sunday, to show, with subtlety and mastery, a space of externalizing feelings and unveiling personalities.

By Laurentine Bayala





07 March 2016

Report by | Compte rendu par Laurentine Bayala : JCFA 2016 - Film Festival of African Women | Journées cinématographiques de la femme africaine - Burkina Faso

Laurentine Bayala-left|gauche
4th edition, Film Festival of African Women : The actress in the creation of African cinema | 4ème édition des Journées cinématographiques de la femme africaine : la comédienne au cœur des débats

Report by | Compte rendu par
LAURENTINE BAYALA

Images: FESPACO


[English] Français ci-après

On Thursday 3 March African women cineastes gathered in Ouagadougou for the opening of the 4th edition of the Film Festival of African Women - Journées cinématographiques de la femme africaine (JCFA). During workshops, film screenings and panels on the theme "the actress in the creation of African cinema", women in the diverse areas of the field attempted to find solutions to their concerns. The invited professionals included filmmakers, producers and actresses from Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Guinea-Conakry, Niger, Senegal and Tunisia.
  
Leyla Bouzid
The JCFA opened its doors with the film  As I open my eyes by the young Tunisian director Leyla Bouzid. The fifteen scheduled films included six feature films, eight short films and a documentary. Tahirou Barry, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Burkina who made the opening clap, took the opportunity to reaffirm the government's support to women filmmakers. Moreover, he met with them a few hours before the opening ceremony to discuss the thorny issue of funding for films made by women.

Meanwhile as they await this funding, the actresses asked poignant questions about their place in African cinema. They especially exposed the difficulties they have to face specifically regarding the non-payment of actors’ fees and the lack of a structure for training. Hence, it was for this reason that FESPACO decided to strengthen the skills of actresses through the creation of a structure for actor training.

The JCFA closed with the 7 March awards ceremony during which a bronze "Sarraounia" was presented to all the filmmakers whose works were screened.
[Français]

Les cinéastes africaines sont réunies depuis le jeudi 03 mars à Ouagadougou à l’occasion de la 4ème édition des Journées cinématographiques de la femme africaine (JCFA). Entre ateliers de formation, projections de films et panels portant sur « La comédienne dans la création du film africain », les femmes professionnelles tentent surtout de trouver des solutions à leurs préoccupations. Le FESPACO qui organise ce biennal, a invité des réalisatrices, des productrices et actrices du Bénin, du Cameroun, du Congo, du Gabon, de Guinée Conakry, du Niger, du Sénégal, et de Tunisie.
  


C’est avec le film « A peine j’ouvre les yeux » de la jeune réalisatrice tunisienne Leyla Bouzid que les
Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africaine ont ouvert leur porte. Quinze films ont été programmés dont six longs métrages, huit courts métrages et un documentaire. Le Ministre de la culture et du Tourisme du Burkina Tahirou Barry qui a donné le clap d’ouverture, a saisi l’occasion pour réaffirmer le soutien du gouvernement aux femmes cinéastes. En effet, il les a rencontrées quelques heures avant la cérémonie d’ouverture, pour évoquer l’épineuse question du financement des films faits par les femmes. 

En attendant les fonds, les comédiennes s’interrogent à cette 4ème édition, sur leur place dans le cinéma africain. Elles ont surtout mis à nu les difficultés auxquelles elles étaient confrontées à savoir le non-paiement des cachets et le manque de structures de formation. C’est pourquoi, le FESPACO a opté de renforcer les compétences des comédiennes à travers une formation sur le jeu d’acteur.

Les JCFA a pris fin, le 07 mars, avec la remise de trophées en bronze « Sarraounia » à toutes les réalisatrices dont les films ont été projetés.

Translation from French by Beti Ellerson

02 December 2014

11 cinéastes africaines interpellent Abdou Diouf pour un soutien effectif du cinéma panafricain et francophone

Rama Thiaw (Photo © Camille Millerand)
11 cinéastes africaines interpellent Abdou Diouf pour un soutien effectif du cinéma panafricain et francophone

Source : Citizen-nantes.com. Photo © Camille Millerand (de Rama Thiaw, auteur, réalisatrice et productrice, initiatrice de la lettre).

Alors que se déroule le 15e Sommet de la Francophonie à Dakar du 29 au 30 novembre 2014, 11 cinéastes africaines se lèvent pour réclamer haut et fort au président Abdou Diouf, actuel secrétaire général de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), de soutenir de manière "effective" le "cinema panafricain et francophone" par le biais de l'institution, maîtresse de la francophonie.

Quand on sait que le "Centre de Conférence de Diamniadio", qui accueille le sommet, a coûté 77 748 998 euros (51 milliards de FCFA) et que rien n'est envisagé pour son avenir, pas même une grande école du cinéma...

La note aux journalistes met à jour le rôle des médias, petits et grands, à faire vivre cette interpellation, pour que remonte au Président l'impatience argumentée et légitime de ces 11 femmes jusqu'à ce qu'il réponde.

Aucune transparence dans les fonds destinés au Cinéma pour les rares exceptions où ces fonds existent, un désintérêt total de nos gouvernements pour la Culture et plus exactement le Cinéma. Ici au Sénégal, l’état nous a promis il y a deux ans un fond pour le Cinéma, depuis nous avons eu trois Ministres de la Culture qui se sont succédés et aucune information, aucun calendrier sur ce fond pour lequel les appels ont été fait depuis novembre 2013.


NOTE AUX JOURNALISTES

Chers collègues journalistes,

Nous sommes 11 cinéastes africaines à avoir co-signé cette longue lettre de 7 pages, que nous avons adressé au Président Abdou Diouf, en qualité de secrétaire de l'Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (O.I.F).

Bien-entendu, celui-ci, n'a pas daigné encore nous répondre... Peut être se réserve t-il pour le dernier jour du Sommet ?!

Quoiqu’il en soit avec les collègues, nous avons décidé de l'envoyer à la presse.

Après avoir essayé des versions courtes, qui n'ont pas convaincu, nous avons décidé de la laisser tel quelle car elle parle de la réalisation, production, formation, distribution et financement, des problèmes et solutions, avec comme question de fond: ou en est le fond Panafricain d'aide au Cinéma ? Et est ce que le fond d'aide au cinéma de l'OIF va disparaitre comme c'est le cas depuis deux ans où il n'y a pas eu d'appel à projet...

En sachant que si ce fond disparait, c'est juste catastrophique, car cela voudra dire en qualité de réalisateur et producteur africain francophone, nous n'aurions plus de guichet de financement.

Par ailleurs c'est aussi la première fois que 11 femmes cinéastes du continent mènent une action collective.

Nous souhaiterions la publier, en sachant pleinement, qu'elle risque d'être écourté par vos rédactions.

Rama THIAW (Sénégal), Angèle DIABANG, Mariama SYLLA et Marie KA (Sénégal), Nadège BATOU (Congo Brazzaville), Samora SEKHUKHUN (Afrique du Sud), Laurentine BAYALA (Burkina-Faso), Siam MARLEY (Côte d’Ivoire), Pauline MVELE (Gabon), Ifrikia KENGUE (Journaliste - Congo Brazzaville), Ariane Astrid ATODJI (Cameroun)

IN ENGLISH

11 African women filmmakers call upon Abdou Diouf to give effective support to Pan-African and Francophone cinema

Rama Thiaw (Photo © Camille Millerand)
11 African women filmmakers call upon Abdou Diouf to give effective support to Pan-African and Francophone cinema

Source : Citizen-nantes.com. Photo © Camille Millerand (of Rama Thiaw, author, filmmaker, producer, originator of letter). Translated from French.

As the 15th Francophone Summit unfolded in Dakar from 29 to 30 November 2014, 11 African women filmmakers rose to voice their demand to President Abdou Diouf, current Secretary General of the International Francophone Organisation (OIF), to give support in an "effective" way, to "Pan-African and French cinema", using the strength of the organisation as vehicle for this action.

It is known that the "Diamniadio Conference Centre", which hosts the summit, cost 77,748,998 euros (51 billion FCFA) and nothing is planned for it in the future, not even a major film school.

This memorandum to journalists underscores the vital role of the media, large and small, to spread this urgent call, so that the President is aware that until he responds, the well-founded and legitimate impatience of these 11 women will remain.

There is no transparency regarding funding for Cinema, in the rare exceptions where such funds exist. There is a total disinterest of our governments for Culture and more particularly for Cinema. Here in Senegal, two years ago the state promised us funding for Cinema, since then we have had three successive Ministers of Culture with no information, no timetable regarding this funding, for which inquiries have been made since November 2013.


MEMO TO JOURNALISTS

Dear journalist colleagues,

We are 11 African women filmmakers who have co-signed a long 7-page letter addressed to President Abdou Diouf, who serves as secretary of the International Francophone Organisation (OIF).

Well of course, he has not yet agreed to meet with us ... Perhaps he is waiting for the last day of the Summit?

In any event, we have decided to send it to the press.

After attempting to write shorter versions, which were less persuasive, we decided to leave it as is, because it speaks of the problems and solutions regarding directing, production, training, distribution and financing; with the fundamental question: where is the Pan-African Aid for Cinema Fund? And will the OIF funding for cinema simply disappear as has been the case for the past two years, during which there have not been any Calls for Projects…

Knowing that if the funding disappears, it will be simply devastating, because it will mean that as Francophone African filmmakers and producers, we will no longer have a financing source.

Moreover, it is also the first time that 11 women filmmakers from the continent are taking collective action.

We would like to publish it, knowing fully well that it may be shortened.

Rama THIAW (Senegal), Angèle DIABANG, Mariama SYLLA et Marie KA (Senegal), Nadège BATOU (Congo Brazzaville), Samora SEKHUKHUN (South Africa), Laurentine BAYALA (Burkina Faso), Siam MARLEY (Côte d’Ivoire), Pauline MVELE (Gabon), Ifrikia KENGUE (Journalist - Congo Brazzaville), Ariane Astrid ATODJI (Cameroon)

14 May 2014

Laurentine Bayala : Elections couplées de 2012, les femmes burkinabé en marche | Coupled Elections of 2012, Burkinabe Women on the Move


Coupled Elections of 2012, Burkinabe Women on the Move | Elections couplées de 2012, les femmes burkinabé en marche

[English]

A documentary film directed by Laurentine Bayala and produced by Pilumpiku Productions, the National Democratic Institute, with the support of the Swedish Agency for International Development.

In December 2012, for the first time in the history of the organization of elections, Burkina Faso coupled the municipal and legislative elections. Also for the first time, the law on gender quotas was applied after its adoption by the National Assembly on April 16, 2009. During these elections, the NDI (National Democratic Institute) worked with nearly 700 women through training workshops to enable them to acquire the tools to better organize their election campaigns. Women in Burkina Faso on the Move recounts the commitment and perseverance of women from various political parties who have the same goal: to highlight the causes of their provinces and municipalities despite their fragile position on the electoral lists. In the film, the NDI follows the women from the start of their training, throughout their electoral campaigns, to election day, up until the announcement of the results.

A non-partisan and non-governmental organization NDI is a non-profit organization that offers its expertise to institutions and practitioners of democracy all over the world since 1983, and in Burkina Faso since 2004.

[Français]

Un film documentaire réalisé par Laurentine Bayala et produit par Pilumpiku Productions, l’Institut National Démocratique, avec le soutien de l’Agence suédoise pour le développement international.

Le Burkina Faso pour la première fois dans l'histoire de l'organisation des élections, a couplé les élections municipales et législatives de décembre 2012. Pour la première fois également la loi sur le quota genre était appliqué après son adoption par l'Assemblée Nationale le 16 avril 2009. À l'occasion de ces élections, NDI (l’Institut National Démocratique) a accompagné près de 700 femmes à travers des formations pour mieux organiser leurs campagnes électorales. « Les femmes Burkinabè en marche » raconte l’engagement et la persévérance des femmes issues de partis politiques divers mais ayant le même but : celui de porter les causes de leurs provinces et communes malgré un positionnement délicat sur les listes électorales. Dans ce film, NDI suit ces femmes depuis la formation, leurs campagnes électorales, le jour du scrutin jusqu'à la proclamation des résultats.

NDI est une organisation non partisane et non gouvernementale à but non lucratif qui propose son expertise aux institutions et aux praticiens de la démocratie de toutes les régions du monde depuis 1983, et au Burkina Faso depuis 2004.


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