Abdul Aziz Diallo, a Burkinabè director of photography, has won the 3rd National Excellence Award in Cinema and Visual Arts in Côte d'Ivoire for 2026. As the founder of "Ciné Lumière", Diallo announced the award on his Facebook page on October 30, 2026. He dedicated the recognition to technicians and all those who contribute to the realization of cinematic works. Diallo's journey in cinema was influenced by his passion for the art form, which was sparked at a young age.
Diallo's interest in cinema began when his uncle, Ibrahim Sanou, introduced him to a camera. This early experience shaped his career path, despite initial hesitation from his family. After completing his high school education, Diallo enrolled in law to please his father, while secretly pursuing his passion for cinema. Over time, his father came to understand and support his career choice. Diallo's experience has taught him that criticism can turn into support, and he encourages young people to pursue their dreams.
The award is not only a personal recognition but also an acknowledgment of the hard work of professionals who work behind the scenes in the film industry. Diallo praised the dedication and sacrifices of technicians, including camera operators, assistants, electricians, machinists, editors, sound engineers, makeup artists, and catering teams. He emphasized that their work is essential to film production, even if it often goes unnoticed by the general public.
Diallo's achievement serves as an inspiration to young people who aspire to careers in cinema, despite facing challenges such as limited resources and equipment. He encourages them to believe in their ambitions, take risks, and persevere in their work. Diallo's message is one of empowerment, urging young professionals not to make excuses for their dreams.
In his message of gratitude, Diallo thanked his family, colleagues, and clients who have supported him throughout his career. He also expressed appreciation to the Ivoirian government, the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, and the organizers of the National Excellence Award. A special mention was made to Minister Françoise Remarck, whose words had a significant impact on him.
For Diallo, the 3rd National Excellence Award is not a culmination of his journey but rather a milestone in his career. He sees it as a renewed commitment to his team and collaborators who have accompanied him on his cinematic journey. Diallo's story serves as a reminder that passion, hard work, and perseverance can lead to recognition and success.
The Burkinabè filmmaker's achievement highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating African cinematic talent. His win is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and creative potential of Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. As Diallo continues to push the boundaries of African cinema, his award serves as a motivation to strive for excellence and innovation in the film industry.
Key points
- Abdul Aziz Diallo won the 3rd National Excellence Award in Cinema and Visual Arts in Côte d'Ivoire for 2026.
- Diallo dedicated the award to technicians and professionals who work behind the scenes in the film industry.
- The award serves as an inspiration to young people who aspire to careers in cinema, encouraging them to believe in their ambitions and persevere.
