This film includes a pre-recorded Q&A. You may choose to watch it before or after the film by clicking on the Q&A button on the right hand side of this page.
After the October 2014 popular uprising in Burkina Faso ("the Country of Honest Men"), the young poet Bikontine decides to meet his fellow citizens by following, mostly by foot, the country’s only rail line. From South to North, through cities and villages, he learns about the dreams and disappointments of common people—teachers, sweepers, shopkeepers, gold diggers, and shepherds—all the while adapting his poetry to the realities of a rapidly shifting society. Bikontine’s journey ultimately reveals the enduring political legacy of young Thomas Sankara, the first revolutionary President of Burkina Faso, who was murdered in 1987. Director Lucie Viver’s brilliant debut feature dives deep into the diverse social backgrounds and landscapes of a rarely depicted African country. -TG
Selected by French French curator, Thierry Garrel.
Award for Contemporary Ethnographic Media 2019 Camden International Film Festival (CIFF)
Best Documentary Feature Budapest IFF HUNGARY 2019
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE African International Film Festival AFRIFF • Lagos, Nigéria 2019
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2019
- Runtime109 minutes
- CountryFrance, Burkina Faso
- PremiereBritish Columbia
- DirectorLucie Viver
This film includes a pre-recorded Q&A. You may choose to watch it before or after the film by clicking on the Q&A button on the right hand side of this page.
After the October 2014 popular uprising in Burkina Faso ("the Country of Honest Men"), the young poet Bikontine decides to meet his fellow citizens by following, mostly by foot, the country’s only rail line. From South to North, through cities and villages, he learns about the dreams and disappointments of common people—teachers, sweepers, shopkeepers, gold diggers, and shepherds—all the while adapting his poetry to the realities of a rapidly shifting society. Bikontine’s journey ultimately reveals the enduring political legacy of young Thomas Sankara, the first revolutionary President of Burkina Faso, who was murdered in 1987. Director Lucie Viver’s brilliant debut feature dives deep into the diverse social backgrounds and landscapes of a rarely depicted African country. -TG
Selected by French French curator, Thierry Garrel.
Award for Contemporary Ethnographic Media 2019 Camden International Film Festival (CIFF)
Best Documentary Feature Budapest IFF HUNGARY 2019
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE African International Film Festival AFRIFF • Lagos, Nigéria 2019
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2019
- Runtime109 minutes
- CountryFrance, Burkina Faso
- PremiereBritish Columbia
- DirectorLucie Viver