Henri Duparc, a pioneer among Ivorian filmmakers, is an iconic figure in African cinema. His work primarily focuses on comedies that explore societal issues in the context of modern Africa. Through his films, Duparc captures the spirit of contemporary Africa—its hopes, contradictions, and the ingenuity of its people, all with a touch of humor. Social satire is his preferred cinematic language, with recurring themes of women and family woven throughout his stories.

“Discussions about African cinema often revolve around one central question: how do we capture audiences’ imagination, leveraging the power of cinema to inspire creativity? We must strive to create films that not only reflect the modern realities of African societies but also embrace national cultures as they seek to break free from the constraints of stagnant traditions. By moving beyond the dominant ‘ethnographic’ or ‘social’ narratives, African cinema can use storytelling and fiction to gain international distribution and recognition.”