Burkina Faso's filmmaker Apolline Traoré on her film 'Sira'

 

'SIRA': My interview with Burkina Faso's filmmaker Apolline Traoré, for Afrika Eye - Bristol

Burkinabé filmmaker Apolline Traoré's feature "Sira" tells the story of a young woman abducted by jihadists who draws on her wits and courage to survive.

Offering a rare insight into the lives of thousands living with Islamist violence in the Sahel, the film has already won prizes at home and abroad – and is now in the running for the 2024 Academy Awards.

I spoke to Apolline in November, via Zoom, to discuss the making of such a great film, her own journey, and her vision of the Sahel region, as my contribution to the Bristol-based film festival Afrika Eye, created by Annie Menter.