Director

Idrissa Ouedraogo

Cast list

Fatimata Sanga: Yaaba

Ouédraogo: Bila

Roukietou Barry : Nopoko

Adama Ouédraogo : Kougri

Amadé Toure : Tibo

Sibidou Ouédraogo: Poko

Adame Sidibe: Razougou

Rasmane Ouedraogo: Noaga

Kinda Moumouni: Finse

Assita Ouedraogo: Koudi

Zenabou Ouedraogo: Pegda

Ousmane Sawadogo: Taryam

Credits

Writer: Idrissa Ouedraogo

Produced by: Michel David, Freddy Denaës, Pierre-Alain Meier, Idrissa Ouedraogo

Music by: Francis Bebey

Cinematography by: Matthias Kälin

Film Editing by: Loredana Cristelli

Costume Design by: Mariam Sidibé

Synopsis

The movie took place in a small African village. The story is about a ten year old boy name Bala. He befriends an old woman, Sana who everybody calls 'Witch' but Bila himself calls her 'Yaaba' (grandmother).When Bila's cousin, Nopoko , became ill, a medicine man claims that Yaaba has stolen the soul of the young girl. Ironically, it is her who went through a troublesome journey in order to find a medicine that will cure the girl; yet the villagers are still persuaded that she is a sorceress.

Reviews

Maslin, Janet, "'Yaaba' Explores Humans and Frailties". New York Times (online)

Cannes Film Festival 1989

Won FIPRESCI Prize: Idrissa Ouedraogo

Chicago International Film Festival 1989

Nominated Gold Hugo (Best Feature): Idrissa Ouedraogo

Tokyo International Film Festival 1989

Won Gold Award: Idrissa Ouedraogo