SOTIGUI KOUYATÉ: A MODERN GRIOT
Directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
The world of African film lost one of its brightest lights in 2010 with the passing of the great actor Sotigui Kouyaté, so memorable as the old griot in Keita: Heritage of the Griot (CFAF 1996) and as the culture detective in Little Senegal (CFAF 2004). This documentary by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun traces Mr. Kouyaté’s career from his early days as a stage actor in Burkina Faso to his successful work with Peter Brook in Paris and with a number of African directors. The film also reveals Mr. Kouyaté as the heir to generations of griots, the traditional West African bards and oral historians who embody the heritage and beauty of the culture.
In French with English subtitles.
We deeply regret that Mahamet-Saleh Haroun’s visit to the 21st Cascade Festival of African Films has been canceled. Difficulties with his visa have not been resolved in time for his travel. However, his film will be screened as scheduled.
