Jackson K. Bentum, the mind behind the film Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero, says critics are missing the point.
Speaking to Sean City TV’s Ruthy and Busumuru Sean Kingston, the veteran filmmaker addressed growing concerns that the movie glorifies military coups—especially at a time when West Africa is dealing with shaky democratic structures.
“We are not saying coups are good. That is not what this movie is about,” Bentum clarified. “The story is centered on leadership and impact.”
For him, the film focuses on what Captain Ibrahim Traoré represents to his people in Burkina Faso: courage, strength, and a new sense of ownership in their future.
Bentum also revealed that the movie was entirely his brainchild.
He wrote the script and personally handed it over to Lilwin, believing the actor had the influence and talent to make the story hit home.
“When I completed the script, I knew Lilwin was the ideal person to bring this story to life,” he said.
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