The director of the upcoming biopic movie on Burkina Faso's military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has spoken following the truncation of the shooting of the movie titled Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero.

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During an exclusive interview with Sean City TV, a Kumasi-based media house, on May 31, hosted by Ruthy and Busumuru, Sean Kingston, the producer and director Jackson K. Bentum, shared insights on the purpose and vision behind the film.

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According to Bentum, some believe the production of the movie asserts an endorsement and promotion of military coups.

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However, he clarified that "We are not saying coups are good. That is not what this movie is about. The story is centered on leadership and impact. Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership in Burkina Faso has brought a sense of renewed hope and sovereignty to the people."

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He continued that he wrote the script and handed it over to Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, to produce, as he believed he was the best fit for the movie and the message they'd like to communicate to the general public.

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“When I completed the script, I knew Lilwin was the ideal person to bring this story to life,” Jackson added.

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His comments come barely 72 hours after Lilwin's Ibrahim Traoré movie set was raided by a group of masked men on motorbikes who stormed the filming location, causing chaos and damaging equipment.

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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KmoMJCiRWbw

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Consequently, the owner of the property (movie set), out of fear and left with no choice, ordered Lilwin and his crew off the set, causing a suspension of the production.

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The disruption of the shoot comes just days after an initial warning from an unidentified foreigner, who offered $20,000 to halt production of the biopic, The Last African Hero, based on the life of Burkina Faso’s leader.

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Despite the warning, Lilwin proceeded with the shooting of the movie, citing the Burkina leaders' courage as an inspiration to the youth in Africa, an epitome of an African man's power and integrity.

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“People see him as the new Sankara,” Lilwin said in a past interview. “His courage and leadership are inspiring, especially for the youth. That’s why I wanted to tell his story.”

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The setback, which appears to have affected Lilwin both financially and emotionally, he said, wouldn't prevent him from completing and releasing the movie, as most of the key scenes have already been shot and he is certain he will find a way to release the movie to honour the young 'extraordinary' leader.

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Captain Ibrahim Traoré became the interim president of Burkina Faso on October 6, 2022, after leading a military coup that ousted Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. At 37 years old, he is currently the second-youngest head of state in the world.

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Since taking power, he has expelled French troops and diplomats, nationalised key industries, including gold mining, ensuring that Burkina Faso benefits from its resources and the last move that earned him the admiration of many worldwide was the donation of his entire salary to widows.

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Traore appears to be loved by many on the global level, as unlike other military rulers who have, over the years, taken over power, he stands different as he prioritises the development and economic growth of his country over military dominance and display of power.

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While a release date has not yet been announced, Bentum and Lilwin hope the film will ignite conversations about leadership, independence, and the future of Africa.

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