Experiencing Interruptions?

CIMETRE

The film Cimetre takes viewers deep into the vibrant heart of Bobo-Dioulasso’s popular neighborhoods, where life pulses on every street corner. This poetic and sensory immersion explores the essence of the cimetre, a six-meter social perimeter around homes where tradition, modernity, and solidarity intertwine.
From the first light of dawn to the fiery celebrations of night, the Saint-Étienne district becomes a living tapestry of artisans, merchants, children, and dancers. Guided by cinematic storytelling, this music video celebrates the collective energy of a tightly-knit community while raising a universal question: how can we preserve connection and compassion in an increasingly individualistic world?
Through vivid dance scenes, striking contrasts between tradition and modernity, and evocative symbols like the communal mirror, Cimetre captures the hidden beauty of the ordinary. A woman in a red satin dress in a garage, a dancer in white moving through a bath of black ink—each detail highlights the duality and richness of these neighborhoods.
Straddling modern influences and deep-rooted heritage, this film transcends music to present an intimate, universal portrait of a world where conviviality becomes an act of resistance.

"CIMETRE is an extraordinary visual and emotional journey - a poetic celebration of community, resilience, and cultural richness in the heart of Bobo-Dioulasso. Blending the rhythmic intimacy of a music video with documentary-style storytelling, the film invites viewers into the six-meter social perimeter that defines not just physical space, but the soul of the Saint-Étienne district.
The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing fluid, expressive choreography and striking tableaus that elevate everyday life into something profoundly cinematic. Whether it's a dancer in white ink or a woman in red satin surrounded by metal tools, each visual detail reveals layers of cultural meaning. These images - lush, unexpected, and intimate - mirror the fusion of tradition and modernity that defines the neighbourhood.
What sets CIMETRE apart is its emotional texture. The vocals and instrumentals move with grace and power, never overwhelming the imagery but rather deepening it - creating a cohesive, immersive experience. The film is not only a tribute to place but also a call to preserve community spirit in a world that often encourages disconnection.
Ultimately, CIMETRE is a vibrant, hopeful, and gorgeously rendered work of art. It stands as both a love letter to the unseen beauty of everyday lives and a reminder that shared space, collective joy, and cultural memory are acts of quiet resistance." - Big Fridge International Film Festival

  • Jacob Londry Bonkian
    Director & cinematographer
  • Djibril Ouattara
    Director & Choreographer
  • Clotilde Rullaud
    Co-director & artistic director
  • Sylvie Dalia Sanou
    Key Cast
  • Salif Bamogo
    Key Cast
  • Abdoul Kader Derra
    Key Cast
  • Ousmane Diallo
    Key Cast
  • Abdoulaye Ouedraogo
    Key Cast
  • Karidiatou Sanou
    Key Cast
  • Boune Rahim Sanou
    Key Cast
  • Melanie Sanon
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Music Video, Other
  • Genres:
    Party, Danse, Life
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 24, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    France
  • Country of Filming:
    Burkina Faso
  • Language:
    Bambara, French
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director