ISIS-SE
The celebration at the beginning of the year of the tenth anniversary of the Institut Supérieur de l'Image and Sound, Studio School (ISIS-SE) Ouagadougou was an opportunity to highlight a real success story. It has strengthened Burkina's reputation as a country of cinema, from which have emerged such prestigious directors as Idrissa Ouédraogo and Dany Kouyaté. Its students come from 18 African countries and have added an impressive 80 films to the school's catalogue. The school is a partner of Africalia, which supports the school by offering scholarships to its students in Europe. This was the case for Jean Baptiste Pazouknaam Ouedraogo, who won first prize for best short fiction film (School films category) at the FESPACO 2013.
In addition to study grants, the most significant support fromAfricaliaAll students can benefit directly from this scheme," explains Dorine Rurashitse (Programme Manager), "by being reimbursed 75% of their enrolment fees in 2th and 3th year and organising masterclasses.
The reputation ofISIS as a major film school, but its ambitions go much further. As its General Delegate, Souleymane Ouédraogo, points out, at a time when cinemas are disappearing, the institution wants to position itself in Digital Terrestrial Television, develop continuing education for African professionals in the sector and become an economic player on a continental scale.
To find out more about ISIS, its 10th anniversary and its future ambitions, read the article by Saïdou Alceny BARRY below or download it in pdf format. by clicking here.
ISIS-SE: TEN YEARS AND GOLDEN DREAMS
The Institut supérieur de l'image et du son, studio-Ecole (ISIS-SE) in Ouagadougou blew out its 10th candle at the start of 2017. From 31 January to 4 February 2017, the celebration was a mix of achievements and ambitions, as ISIS-SE intends to establish itself as a major player in the audiovisual sector in Africa.
10 years and we've come a long way. ISIS-SE has no reason to be ashamed of its achievements, if anything it should be proud. In the space of a decade, students of 18 nationalities have cut their teeth in the audiovisual professions, confirming the Institute's continental vocation. 80 student films in the school's catalogue, which is quite a feat for such a young school. After all, 10 years in the life of a school is not a long time.
ISIS-SE was born out of the need to provide Burkina Faso and Africa with a training school to fill the void left by INAFEC (Institut africain des études cinématographiques). A school that has given the world filmmakers such as Idrissa Ouédraogo and Dani Kouyaté.
The institute has become a centre of excellence. In 2013, one of ISIS-SE's students, Jean Baptiste Pazouknaam Ouédraogo, won first prize for best fiction film in the "School Films" category at FESPACO. His winning short film, "Une partie de nous", reflects on the interdependence between man and nature. The young director remembers: "Thanks to Africalia, I was awarded a scholarship to study for the BTS (Advanced Technician's Certificate) and the bachelor's degree, as well as funding for my graduation film".
In 2015, the documentary "Je danse donc je suis" by Aissata Ouarma, another ISIS-SE product, won first prize for "Films d'écoles" at FESPACO. The productions of ISIS-SE students have won awards all over the world, thanks to an effective training programme that combines theory and practice, with the support of partners such as Africalia, which has been with ISIS-SE since it opened in 2007.
According to Dorine Rurashitse, head of West and Central Africa, this support is multi-faceted: "Africalia supports ISIS-SE by reimbursing 75% of tuition fees for 2nd and 3rd year students; organising master classes with experts to extend theoretical courses; co-producing end-of-year films and offering internship grants to students to gain experience in Africa".
ISIS-SE dreams of the Etalon d'Or in 2019
While ISIS-SE is well aware of how far it has come, the institute's Managing Director, Souleymane Ouédraogo, is not dwelling on it; his eyes are more focused on the future. "Tomorrow is being prepared today" is his credo, and the celebrations were an opportunity to reflect on the Institute's position in today's audiovisual environment. In 10 years, the world has undergone intense and rapid change, and ISIS-SE must be prepared for the "world to come".
To this end, with the support of the government of Burkina Faso and its partners, he intends to equip ISIS-SE with a platform that is up to date with the latest technologies, and to open it up to professionals in order to take account of the socio-professional and technological environment.
In today's environment, with cinemas closing one after the other, the irresistible rise of television as the leading medium for broadcasting images, and the advent of digital terrestrial television (DTT), ISIS-SE needs to increase its staff numbers, reorient and strengthen its training programme, and develop an ongoing training programme for professional filmmakers and local television channels. The aim is to equip them in content production, programme scheduling and marketing, as well as training in computer graphics, set design and so on.
The other major project is the convergence platform, which aims to bring together students, seniors and ISIS-SE in a triangular relationship, a rocket-shaped configuration to boost the quality of productions. The aim is to make the expertise of senior staff available to students in training and those who have graduated in scriptwriting, directing and distribution.
ISIS-SE will work to interest banks, companies and partners in financing bankable projects. It's a holistic vision that aims to combine the creativity of young people with the expertise of their elders in an innovative approach that is part of a viable economic model. After a decade, the institute is undergoing a transformation and intends to play in the big league from now on.
Africalia, too, after a 10-year partnership with ISIS-SE that the institute's CEO described as "enormous in terms of its contribution", feels that it is time to refocus its collaboration. From 2019, Africalia will support ISIS-SE through networking, lobbying and advocacy activities.
After 10 years in existence, ISIS-SE is more determined than ever to establish itself as a centre of excellence and contribute to the revival of African cinema. Without admitting it, you can sense that the Managing Director is driven by a great dream, that of seeing an ISIS-SE alumnus hold up the Yennenga Etalon d'or at the next FESPACO in 2019. A dream that is possible within the framework of the convergence platform and that Africalia would certainly be happy to help make come true.
Saïdou Alceny BARRY
