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Sanou

Sanou, plunges us into a captivating journey at the heart of Mali, revealing the little-known living conditions of the mineworkers. Through the poignant story of Adama Traoré and other protagonists, the documentary exposes the injustices and challenges they face. With striking imagery, the film gives a powerful voice to these forgotten workers, prompting profound reflection on their resilience and the need for change.

  • Sitou AYITE
    Director
  • Bouna Cherif FOFANA
    Director
  • Madjé AYITE
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Sanou, terre jaune
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 31 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 2, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Togo
  • Country of Filming:
    Mali
  • Language:
    Bambara, French
  • Shooting Format:
    HDV
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sitou AYITE, Bouna Cherif FOFANA

Sitou Ayité

Film Director | Social Activist | Founder of "Beauty for Ashes"

Sitou Ayité is a passionate film director and a social activist, , best known for her documentary feature "Sanou: Terre Jaune." This film takes viewers on a compelling journey at the heart of Mali, delving into the little-known living conditions of mineworkers. Through the poignant story of Adama Traoré and other protagonists, "Sanou: Terre Jaune" courageously exposes the injustices and challenges faced by these forgotten workers.

As co-director, Sitou, alongside Bouna Cherif Fofana, weaves a narrative that amplifies the voices of the marginalized. The film gives a resounding voice to the mineworkers, evoking profound reflection on their resilience and the pressing need for change.

Sitou's unwavering commitment to social advocacy is deeply rooted in her work with the non-profit organization she founded in 2015, "Beauty for Ashes." This association, driven by Sitou's passion for creating positive change, led her to direct "Sanou: Terre Jaune." Her involvement with "Beauty for Ashes" opened her eyes to the struggles faced by marginalized communities, inspiring her to bring these untold stories to the forefront through filmmaking.

Before embarking on her career as a documentary filmmaker, Sitou honed her storytelling skills in the world of feature films, gaining valuable experiences in her brother's film production company. However, her dedication to addressing pressing social issues in African society propelled her to shift her focus to directing short documentaries, where she could utilize her creative vision to create impactful narratives.

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Director Statement


"Sanou: Terre Jaune" is much more than a documentary; it is a journey of discovery, empathy, and empowerment. Through this film, we seek to shed light on the untold stories of mineworkers in Mali, giving them a voice that resonates with the world.

As filmmakers, our goal was to create a visually captivating and emotionally powerful narrative that goes beyond the surface to delve into the lives of those often overlooked. The documentary introduces viewers to the vibrant world of the mineworkers .

At the heart of the film lies the moving story of Adama Traoré, one of the protagonists of "Sanou: Terre Jaune." Through his personal narrative, Adama embodies the strength and determination of the mineworkers who fight for dignity and justice amidst harsh conditions.

Our journey with Adama and the other mineworkers revealed the depth of their experiences, the dreams they hold, and the challenges they confront daily. We realized that their stories are not just about adversity but are a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

"Sanou: Terre Jaune" is an exploration of the human experience, an intimate portrait of resilience, and a call to action. As co-directors, we embraced the responsibility of capturing these stories with authenticity, sensitivity, and utmost respect.

Through compelling imagery and poignant storytelling, the film invites audiences to embark on a thought-provoking journey of reflection. Our hope is that viewers will connect with Adama and the mineworkers on a personal level, feel their hopes, dreams, and struggles, and be inspired by their strength and courage.

We aspire for "Sanou: Terre Jaune" to serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and communities to unite in solidarity and take action towards creating a fairer and more just society. By amplifying the voices of the marginalized, we aim to challenge systemic inequalities and pave the way for lasting transformation.

Ultimately, "Sanou: Terre Jaune" is a celebration of the human spirit, a tribute to resilience, and a call to unite as a global community. Through this film, we hope to ignite conversations that transcend borders and cultures, leading to a world where every voice is heard, and every life is valued.