Burkina Faso: “Kiidiga, the cry of the 333 hills” revives the memory of resistance to colonial conquest

The documentary "Kiidiga, the Cry of the 333 Hills," dedicated to the resistance of the Kingdom of Boussouma against the French colonial conquest in 1896, premiered on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Ouagadougou. Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, who attended the screening, advocated for this history to be fully integrated into Burkinabè school textbooks and cinema.

Directed by Ismaël Compaoré, this 70-minute film recounts the tragic events of October 1896 and the battles waged by the Riungu of Boussouma to defend their freedom and dignity. The premiere, held at the Faso Cultural Center as part of the 130th anniversary of these battles, took place in the presence of government officials and numerous traditional leaders.

For the Head of Government, this work contributes to the reclaiming of national history. Praising the quality of the documentary, he emphasized the need to pass on to younger generations the struggles of those who refused servitude and submission.

"We need to work to reclaim our history, to know who we are, to know what we have experienced in our history," he said, calling for these events to be included in school curricula and for more film productions dedicated to African resistance movements to be made.

The evening also featured the book launch of the collective work "Burkina Faso: Land of Resistance," a 219-page book compiling the work of Burkinabè researchers. Presented by Dr. Coulibaly Hervé Landry on behalf of the authors, the book draws on scientific research, archives, and oral traditions to highlight the various forms of resistance to colonial conquest.

For the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwindé Gilbert Ouédraogo, these initiatives contribute to the reappropriation of national history and the transmission of memories that have long remained on the margins of historical narratives.

With "Kiidiga, the Cry of the 333 Hills," the director intends to pave the way for a series dedicated to the resistance movements that have shaped Burkina Faso. This approach aims to make books and films tools for understanding the past, so that new generations can better grasp their origins and the legacy of those who defended their freedom.

Djamila KambouCn