Sira (film)

Sira is a 2023 Burkinabé survival thriller film directed by Apolline Traoré. The film explores themes of violence, resilience, and female empowerment against the backdrop of terrorism in the Sahel region of West Africa.

The story centers on Sira, a young woman traveling with her fiancé when they are ambushed by jihadists. She is brutally assaulted and left for dead in the desert. However, Sira survives and embarks on a journey of survival and revenge, ultimately becoming a symbol of resistance against the extremist groups that plague the region.

The film has been praised for its powerful performances, particularly the lead actress Nafissatou Cissé, its unflinching portrayal of violence, and its exploration of the complex social and political issues contributing to the rise of terrorism in the Sahel. It has garnered international recognition at film festivals and has been cited for its contribution to raising awareness about the impact of terrorism on women and communities in West Africa.