Fanta Régina Nacro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fanta Regina Nacro
Born	4 September 1962 (1962-09-04) (age 62)
Nationality	Burkina Faso
Education	Filmmaking,editing and cinematography
Known for	La Nuit de la Vérité (Night of Truth) and Un Matin (Some Morning)

Fanta Regina Nacro, born on September 4, 1962, is a famous filmmaker from Burkina Faso. She is known for being the first woman from her country to direct a full-length movie. Fanta Nacro also helped start the African Guild of Directors and Producers. She uses her films to explore important topics in African cinema. Her movies often look at issues like health, such as AIDS, and the importance of education for girls. She is part of what people call the "New African Wave" in filmmaking. Nacro's films often ask questions about the old traditions of Burkina Faso. They also explore how old ways and modern life connect in today's world.

Early Life and Film Education

Fanta Nacro grew up in the countryside of Burkina Faso. At first, she wanted to become a midwife. However, her interest in filmmaking grew from the storytelling traditions she experienced while growing up. A neighbor told her about a film school in Burkina Faso called the Institut d'Education Cinématographique de Ouagadougou (INAFEC).

While studying at INAFEC, Nacro met Idrissa Ouédraogo, a director she later worked with as an editor. In 1986, she earned her first degree in audiovisual science and techniques from INAFEC. She also earned a master's degree in Film and Audiovisual Studies from the Sorbonne in France.

Starting a Film Career

Nacro's first experience in filmmaking happened during her studies at INAFEC. Her film department worked with the film department at Howard University in the United States. This project was very important for her. She said it helped her understand her role in the film world. She also met filmmaker Zeinabu Davis during this time. Nacro believes that future projects between African and African American directors would be great. However, she notes that finding money for such projects would be a challenge.

During her education, Nacro learned many parts of filmmaking. These included editing and cinematography. These skills helped her start her career. She began as a television announcer. Then, she worked in continuity and editing. Soon, Nacro started directing her own films. Her first film was Un Certain Matin (1991).

In 1999, Nacro, along with Jean-Marie Teno and Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, created the African Guild of Directors and Producers. This group was formed to help African filmmakers. It works to bring more attention to African cinema and support the industry. Nacro is well known for making short films shown in Europe, Africa, and North America.

Fanta Nacro's Films

Nacro's first film was a short movie called Un Certain Matin (1992). Since then, she has made many short films. These films often use humor to look at her country's traditions. They also explore the complex relationship between old traditions and modern life. Her film Bintou has won more than twenty awards at international festivals. It also won the Fespaco prize for best short film in 2001.

Nacro believes that movies can help people from different cultures understand each other better. She said, "I believe that film can help to establish real exchange and communication between different nations, as film is the best means of educating the masses."

In 2004, Nacro made her first full-length movie, Night of Truth (La Nuit de la Vérité).

Nacro's View on Filmmaking

Fanta Nacro has said that a big goal for African directors is to help African cinema reach more people. She believes that more people need to watch these films for the industry to grow. She notes that the film industry in many African countries has not yet reached its full potential. Nacro also believes that there is no "woman's sensibility" or "man's sensibility" in filmmaking, but simply a "human sensibility."

Selected Filmography

Awards and Honours

• In 1992, Nacro won the Tanit d'Or for her short film Un Certain Matin at Carthage.
• In 1992, Nacro won the Licorne d'Or for her short film Un Certain Matin at Amiens.
• In 1993, Nacro won the First Prize Air Afrique for her short film Un Certain Matin at Milan.
• In 1997, Nacro was nominated for Puk Nini at FESPACO.

See also

In Spanish: Fanta Régina Nacro para niños