Cinéma Numérique Ambulant Burkina Faso screened films that they had shot in rural villages across the country, in the very villages that form their setting. In this way, our partner fostered reflection on the unique characteristics of Burkinabé villages.
Cinema for living together in harmony
CNA Burkina Faso's ‘À la découverte de nos villages’ (Discovering our villages) project consists of producing documentary films that explore little-known villages in Burkina Faso. Through these documentaries, the project highlights their rich history, heritage and crafts. The films highlight ancestral traditions and customs. By showing which experiences are unique or common to their inhabitants, the project strengthens the connections between the villages.
In effect, the aim of the project was not only to promote African cinema in rural areas, but also to transcend cultural barriers, reducing the risk of conflict through mutual understanding.
The screenings
After the films had been shot, they were shown in the very same villages in which they were set, during a series of screenings organised by CNA Burkina Faso. These screenings took place outdoors from 12 to 30 December and were open to the whole community. The people of Kuila (Plateau-Central region), Doulougou (Centre-Sud) and Soaw (Centre-Ouest) rediscovered their own history on the big screen during 5 days of screenings and across 24 films. The screenings were followed by debates, giving local people the opportunity to discuss the issues raised.
Other films were also screened. The films about people with disabilities particularly moved the audience.
A great success
The initiative was very well received by the local population. Their testimonies show that the project has achieved its objective of promoting harmony and enhancing cultural richness.
“It’s really an opportunity for us and the children to discover and learn.” – Kuila resident on behalf of the village chief
“We should never neglect the traditions of others and be content with our own culture.” – Issaka Zoungrana, Doulougou
“Traditional dance should be a dance that children should learn and not give up. Here, they don’t organize this dance very much. Parents need to reorganize traditional dances that reflect the history of the village.” – Christine Kabore, Soaw
"These films remind us that just because we have a disability doesn't mean we can't do anything. I liked the film about the life of a blind couple: they are blind, but work for the well-being of their families." Dramane Zoungrana, Doulougou
The tour of the project "Discovering our villages" reached more than three thousand spectators. Africalia emphasizes with satisfaction that many women and children attended the screenings.
