Halia Lébo H. Traoré wins ASCRIC-B Criticism Prize for film ‘Mia’

Halia Lébo H. Traoré has won the 8th ASCRIC-B Criticism Prize for her short film, ‘Mia’. The award was presented by the Association des critiques de cinéma du Burkina (ASCRIC-B) during the Week of Film Criticism in Ouagadougou (SECRICO).

This year’s competition focused on fiction short films. ‘Mia’ was selected from three finalists, including ‘L’Audition’ by Annaïs Irma Kayaba Kéré and ‘Sous le rônier’ by Orokiatou Barro. The film marks Traoré’s debut as a director.

‘Mia’ explores the vulnerabilities of adolescence, specifically addressing themes of sexual harassment among youth and the risks associated with improper mobile phone usage. Traoré stated the film serves as a mirror to society, highlighting the dangers young people face when attempting to bypass parental authority to seek social freedom.