Philippe Lacôte

The luminary of Ivorian cinema, Philippe Lacôte, who was born in 1971 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has been making waves in the film industry since the early 2000s. His films, predominantly in the drama genre, like "Run" and "Night of the Kings," are lauded for their poignant narratives and unique storytelling, earning him a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival amongst other accolades. Lacôte's style is often characterized by its strong socio-political undercurrents, and a particularly distinctive approach to blending reality with elements of magical realism.

From the heart, Philippe Lacôte is not just a filmmaker, but a modern-day griot, using his art to narrate the stories of his people, their struggles, and their hopes, with a voice that resonates beyond the borders of Ivory Coast.