One month after their launch, the “Thursdays of Revolutionary Cinema” continue their journey. The second event of this initiative took place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Ouagadougou, with a screening of the documentary “Thomas Sankara, the Upright Man,” directed by Robin Shuffield. This provided another opportunity to use cinema as a tool for transmitting the memory and values championed by the father of the Burkinabè Revolution.
Held every first Thursday of the month, these film screenings are part of a broader reflection on revolutionary thought. Through the films shown, the initiative aims to contribute to the transmission of values such as integrity, courage, commitment, and sovereignty to new generations.
For this second edition, the choice fell on “Thomas Sankara, the upright man”. Lasting 52 minutes, the documentary looks back on the life, personality and legacy of Thomas Sankara, an emblematic figure in the political history of Burkina Faso.
The screening brought together an audience composed mainly of members of the defense and security forces, who came to discover or rediscover the journey of a man whose vision continues to fuel reflections on the future of the country.
Beyond the screening itself, the main objective is to open a space for understanding and debate. For Etienne Lompo, coordinator of the Thomas Sankara Memorial construction project, the “Thursdays of Revolutionary Cinema” are an extension of a memorial initiative undertaken around the former president.
" We established the Thursdays of Revolutionary Cinema as an extension of the military tribute paid to President Thomas Sankara and his 12 companions ," he explained.
In this context, cinema is called upon to transcend mere entertainment and become a medium for reflection on revolutionary experiences and social struggles. " The Thursdays of Revolutionary Cinema aim to enable revolutionaries, various social groups in Burkina Faso, and different segments of society to better grasp and understand revolutionary issues and the struggles that have taken place in Burkina Faso, Africa, and around the world ," explained Etienne Lompo.
Thus, each screening is intended as a starting point for collective reflection. The initiative aims to provide a framework for exchanges and debates around historical experiences, revolutionary values, and contemporary issues.
Through this second edition, the organizers aim to firmly establish cinema’s role in transmitting revolutionary memory and fostering civic awareness. The next event is scheduled for the first Thursday of the month, with a new film designed to stimulate reflection on revolution, sovereignty, and collective values.