🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkinabe filmmaker Corenthien Nana discusses challenges and potential of national cinema
via Lefaso.net5 min read
Burkinabe filmmaker Corenthien Nana, whose passion for cinema began in childhood, transitioned from science studies to filmmaking after succeeding in a state competition. He trained as a cinema and audiovisual assistant, choosing directing because it aligned with his personality as a "technician" and "man of the field." Nana has directed five feature films, starting with "Le Sort de Nestor" in 2019, followed by "L'Hymne d'amour" 2021, "La Colère du roi" 2022, "Honorable" 2024, and "La Conseillère" 2025, which was selected for competition at Fespaco. His latest film, "Besoin d'un père," currently showing at Ciné Burkina, addresses social pressure on women to have male children. Nana draws inspiration for his scripts from observing society, current events, culture, arts, governance, education, and ethics, aiming to raise awareness about societal issues. He believes Burkinabe cinema has significant potential due to new state initiatives, such as the creation of a structure to support film institutions, and the development of projection rooms and digital platforms. However, he identifies major obstacles: financing, which is scarce; training, as access to institutions like ISISS is limited; and the high cost of quality cinematic equipment, which often requires importation. Nana is currently writing new projects and aims to create a popular cinema festival to encourage public attendance, noting that while major events like Fespaco fill cinemas, attendance drops afterward. He encour
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