Fanta Régina Nacro

Fanta Regina Nacro (born 4 September 1962) is well known for being the first woman from Burkina Faso to direct a feature film and is a founding member of the Guilde Africaine des Realisateurs et Producteurs (The African Guild of Directors and Producers). She is an artist who explores the themes of African cinema while tackling issues surrounding illness such as AIDS, and education for the girl child. She represents the "New African Wave". Nacro's films tend to question the traditions of Burkina Faso, while looking at the relationship between tradition and modernity in today's world.

Early life and education Nacro grew up in rural Burkina Faso with the intention of becoming a midwife. The desire for film making came from her upbringing around storytelling in Burkina Faso. Her interest towards working in the film industry began to grow. She credits a neighbour for informing her about the film school, Institut d'Education Cinématographique de Ouagadougou (INAFEC), in Burkina Faso. While studying at INAFEC, Nacro met Idrissa Ouedraogo, a director for whom she would later work for as an editor. She has since stated that although future collaborative projects between African directors and African American directors would be valuable, finding funding would be a key challenge.

Le Truc de Konaté This short film directed by Nacro in 1997 depicts the various myths behind condom use, sexuality, AIDS, polygamy and the theme of change in a Burkinabe village. Konaté, the lead character, is married to three wives and is known to have mistresses. One of his wives, Diénéba, becomes informed about the implications of the AIDS virus after a visit to town one day. Her experience in town teaches her about the importance of condoms, which she communicates to Konaté. Konaté insists to Diénéba that he should not wear a condom, a stance that is later supported by the other men in the village. Unable to conduct a physical relationship with Diénéba or his other wives, he attempts to have intercourse with his mistress. When it seems as though he has been afflicted with impotency, he journeys to town in hopes of curing this issue. He learns from a religious visualizer that the only cure is to find a special tree. Once in town, an AIDS campaigner helps him to find the tree as long as Konaté promises to start wearing condoms. Konaté successfully finds the tree, is cured and returns home.

Nacro exhibits the theme of change through a journey that both Konaté and Diénéba must take in order to learn about the issues surrounding the AIDs virus. The film works with both humorous and informative elements, as it includes important information regarding sexual protection, but also the importance of female empowerment in a romantic relationship, especially as it pertains to health.

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

Attitudes towards filmmaking Nacro has said that improving the reach of African cinema will be a continual goal among African directors. She has noted that improving audience numbers is a necessity for the industry to grow, as the film industry has not yet reached its potential in many African countries. "Ever since I saw a film called Femme d'Alger, which was made by a man, with what one may even call a woman's sensibility, I've come to realize that there is really no woman's or man's sensibility, but there is simply a human sensibility."

Filmography

Awards and honours In 1992, Nacro received the Tanit d'Or for short film Un Certain Matin at Carthage In 1992, Nacro received the Licorne d'Or for short film Un Certain Matin at Amiens In 1993, Nacro received the First Prize Air Afrique for short film Un Certain Matin at Milan In 1997, Nacro received nomination for Puk Nini at FESPACO