Idrissa Ouedraogo (1954 - 2020) was a renowned film director and screenwriter from Burkina Faso, West Africa. He is best known for his work in the film “Yaaba”, which he wrote and directed, and which earned him a Camera d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.
Ouedraogo was born in 1954 in Balleyara, Burkina Faso. His family was nomadic, and he spent his childhood traveling between Burkina Faso and neighboring countries. Ouedraogo studied at the Institut des Hautes Études Cinématographiques in Paris, where he was exposed to the French New Wave of cinema.
Inspired by the works of François Truffaut, Ouedraogo made his first film in 1986, “Tilai”. The film was shot in Burkina Faso and told the story of a young man who returns to his village to marry a woman chosen by his father. The film was a success, and it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 1989, Ouedraogo wrote and directed his second film, “Yaaba”. The film tells the story of a young girl, Bila, who is ostracized by her community due to a mysterious illness. Bila meets an old woman, Yaaba, who helps her find strength in the face of adversity. The film was a critical success, and it won the Camera d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.
Ouedraogo went on to make several other films, including “Samba Traoré” (1991), “Tilaï” (1990), “The Choice” (1995), “Sai Sai” (1997), and “Kini and Adams” (2003). All of his films were critically acclaimed, and they showcased his unique style of storytelling.
In addition to his work in film, Ouedraogo was a vocal advocate for the rights of African filmmakers. He was a founding member of the Pan-African Federation of Filmmakers and the African Film Festival of Ouagadougou.
Idrissa Ouedraogo passed away in 2020 at the age of 66. He is remembered as one of Africa’s most influential filmmakers, whose work will continue to inspire generations to come.
Birthday
March 7, 1892
