Rahmatou Keïta

Rahmatou Keïta is a Nigerien journalist, writer, and film director, whose film career began in 1990. She won the prestigious 7 d'or for L'assiette anglaise (2005) and the Sojourner Truth Award for Al'lèèssi…, her first feature film.[1]

Rahmatou Keïta
Born
Niger
Occupation(s)Writer, director, journalist
Notable workThe Wedding Ring
ChildrenMagaajyia Silberfeld

Life and career

Born in Niger, Rahmatou Keïta is a descendant of Sundiata Keïta. She has remarked that she embodies the true essence of the Sahelian countries, being of Fulani, Songhai and Mandingo ancestry.

After studying philosophy and linguistics in Paris, she started her career in France. Before becoming a movie director, she made a name for herself as a journalist for European TV channels. She appeared on the cultural programme L'assiette anglaise on France 2.

She directs short films and created the TV series Femmes d'Afrique (Women from Africa) (26 x 26 minutes episodes – 1993–1997),[2] which screened on national channels in Africa. With friends, Keïta started Sonrhay Empire Productions to produce films "off the beaten track". In 2005, her first feature film, Al'lèèssi..., about pioneers of African cinema such as Zalika Souley, was selected at Cannes Film Festival and won the Sojourner Truth Award. Al'lèèssi… received several awards, including Best Documentary Award at Montreal and at the FIFAI.

A committed activist for African causes, Keïta is a founding member of the Panafrican Association for Culture (ASPAC) and takes an active part in the dialogue of cultures and civilisations. In 2016, her film Zin'naariyâ! (The Wedding Ring) was released.

Her daughter Magaajyia Silberfeld is an actress and director.[3]

Filmography

Feature films
Year Title Notes
2017 I had this dream
2016 The Wedding Ring
2014 The Golden Ring
2004 Al'lèèssi… Best Documentary Award (Montreal)
2001 All about psychanalysts
1999 Just because of a shot !
1990 Djassaree

Television
Year Title Director
1993–1997 Femmes d'Afrique

References
  1. "The Wedding Ring (Niger)". www.goldenglobes.com. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  2. "Rahmatou Keïta at IFFR". International Film Festival Rotterdam. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  3. Arnaud, Megan (18 March 2019). "Le fardeau de la couleur de peau". Le Temps (in French). Retrieved 4 October 2020.
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