Restored Film “Tilaï” Screens at Cannes

Why this is here: Nora Ouédraogo first saw Tilaï at age 12, but now, at 28, recognizes a feminist perspective in the film—specifically, how one man’s desires can harm multiple people.

Idrissa Ouédraogo’s film Tilaï premiered at Cannes Classics on May 13th. The Burkinabè director’s 1990 film received the Grand Prix du Jury at Cannes that year. Bernardo Bertolucci, then president of the jury, likened Ouédraogo’s style to filmmakers Federico Fellini and Roberto Rossellini.

A restored copy of Tilaï screened with producers, film restorers, and distributors present. The film explores family and customs within rural Burkinabè society. Idrissa Ouédraogo’s daughter, Nora Ouédraogo, age 28, recently rewatched the film and noted its feminist themes and critique of tradition.

Silvia Voser of Waca Films recounts how Ouédraogo encouraged her to become a producer 36 years ago. Though he passed away in 2018, Ouédraogo consistently examined the tensions between tradition and modernity in his work. The restored version will release in French cinemas this autumn.