“Katanga, la danse des scorpions”: Burkinabe cinema triumphs at Fespaco
Dani Kouyaté wins the Étalon d’Or de Yennenga
Burkina Faso director Dani Kouyaté was crowned winner of the 29ᵉ edition of the Ouagadougou Pan-African Film and Television Festival (Fespaco), winning theÉtalon d’Or de Yennenga for his film “Katanga, la danse des scorpions”. The 63-year-old filmmaker received his award from Captain Ibrahim Traoré, head of Burkina Faso’s ruling junta, to a standing ovation from the audience at Ouagadougou’s Palais des Sports.
A film that is both universal and rooted in Burkina Faso culture
According to Martin Zongo, spokesman for the jury, the film won the award for its timelessness, its cultural roots and its emphasis on linguistic traditions through sets and costumes. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, “Katanga, Dance of the Scorpions” explores power games and tyranny, a theme as ancient as it is contemporary.
Shot in black and white and in Mooré, the most widely spoken language in Burkina Faso, the film offers a political fable out of time and space, according to its director.
A moving tribute and recognition
On receiving his award, Dani Kouyaté expressed his gratitude to the jury and audience, saying:
“I’m overwhelmed. Thank you very much.”
He also paid tribute to Malian director Souleymane Cissé, who died shortly before the festival, and dedicated his trophy “to the valiant people of Burkina Faso and to all those who have lost their lives defending the homeland”, in reference to the jihadist violence that has plagued the country for the past decade.
A festival in support of African cinema
Despite the tense political context in Burkina Faso, Fespaco remains a major event for African cinema. The festival received funding from the European Union, the UN and the Canal+ group, which promoted its program of support for the African film industry, with some 30 films and documentaries presented.
Conclusion
With “Katanga, la danse des scorpions”, Dani Kouyaté confirms the vitality of Burkina Faso cinema and its ability to offer powerful works, at the crossroads of African tradition and universal classics. His win at Fespaco 2025 marks a turning point in his career and reinforces Burkina Faso’s position as a pillar of African cinema.r voters and overcoming internal and external obstacles will be decisive in his quest for power.
