Burkinabé filmmaker Apolline Traoré's feature "Sira" tells the story of a young woman abducted by jihadists who draws on her wits and courage to survive. Offering a rare insight into the lives of thousands living with Islamist violence in the Sahel, the film has already won prizes at home and abroad – and is now in the running for the 2024 Academy Awards.
"Sira" is the first film Burkina Faso has submitted to the Oscars since 1989. Judges will announce on 21 December whether it's made it onto the shortlist for Best International Feature Film.
