Titled “Sira,” this African-themed movie takes viewers on a gripping journey. It follows the story of Sira, a young nomad who, after a brutal attack, refuses to succumb to her fate and instead stands up against violence and terror. Set in the Sahel desert, “Sira” captivates audiences with its unexpected plot twists and suspenseful storytelling.
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The 121-minute film powerfully portrays the resilience of African women in the face of violence in all its forms.
Apolline Traoré, the director, is a Burkinabé filmmaker with an impressive track record, having won several awards. Her cinematic journey began after studying at Emerson College School of Art in Boston, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Her graduation film, “The Price of Ignorance,” earned the Jury Prize at Fespaco in 2001.
Apolline Traoré Burkinabé filmmaker and producer
Traoré’s career includes directing and producing notable works such as “Monia and Rama” and “The Testament.” Her first short film, “Kounandi,” was selected at both the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004. After working on independent films in Hollywood, she returned to her home country in 2008.
One of Traoré’s driving themes is giving voice to women and addressing the challenges that plague the African continent. “Sira” marks her fifth feature film, following successes like “Frontières” in 2017 and “Desrances” in 2019. In recognition of her contributions, she was named a Knight of the Order of Merit, Arts, Letters, and Communication in 2019 and later became the Ambassador of the National Museum in 2020.
The inspiration for “Sira” stemmed from a tragic attack on villagers in Burkina Faso, Traoré’s homeland. She shared with the premiere audience that this horrifying incident served as the catalyst for creating the film.
Denis Cougnaud, one of the producers, emphasized during the premiere that “Sira” encourages the voices of women in their struggle against violence.
TIFF 2023 will run until September 17th and will feature other African-centered films, continuing to be a platform for showcasing diverse cinematic perspectives.
Photos Johnny Ayalew
