On Friday, July 21, 2023, the representatives of the “Clap Ivoire” short film competition for young filmmakers in Côte d’Ivoire were announced during a ceremony at the Majestic Cinema of the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan Cocody.
Yapo Jean-Charles won the prize for his documentary production “Zehiri, la femme et le pouvoir” (Zehiri, the Woman and the Power) and Ouattara Massata won the prize for his film “Guêrêbou.” In the second national place in fiction, Mian Kouadio Paul for his documentary “Ce que peut cacher un regard” (What a Look Can Hide) and Dago Lionel Jocelin for “Le Génocide des baoulés” (The Baoulé Genocide).
During the national phase of the competition, which took place at the Goethe Institute in Abidjan Cocody from July 18 to 23, they were selected. Gorges Dabriré, who was the president of the jury, and his team presented the results. Only the winners of each category will be present at the international phase, which will take place in Abidjan from September 4 to 9, following tradition.
Before announcing the results, Diomandé Lison Fall Johnson, the director of the National Cinema Office of Côte d’Ivoire (ONAC-CI), invited Ivorian filmmakers to shine like fireflies. “Shine in all festivals with quality films. Don’t be afraid, it’s creativity that wins. I thank the jury for their Herculean work. I take this opportunity to congratulate the two representatives of Côte d’Ivoire who will represent the Ivorian flag in the final international phases,” said Mrs. Diomandé.
Eude Pokou, the representative of the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, emphasized that this festival fosters the birth of a new generation of film creators. It is time to take into account and appreciate young directors. “I am delighted with the level of work of the youth despite a few imperfections. Out of 44 entries, only two will represent Côte d’Ivoire at the international level,” added Mr. Pokou.
As a reminder, the Clap Ivoire festival is a competition for young filmmakers from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) in the fields of fiction and documentary. The young filmmakers who have won a national competition in the eight UEMOA countries come together in the international phase.
