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Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man

Name: Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man
Director: Robin Shuffield
Released: 2006
Duration: 52 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2006

Not Rated

Director

Robin Shuffield

Runtime

52 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary serves as a powerful tool for post-colonial storytelling, successfully shifting the lens away from Western-centric historical narratives. By centering African sovereignty and ability to act, it challenges the traditional geopolitical hierarchies often found in mainstream cinema. The film's greatest impact lies in its deconstruction of Western hegemony and its emphasis on racial identity. It presents a sophisticated view of the Global South, framing the struggle for independence against neo-colonialism and global capitalist structures. However, the film's narrow political focus results in a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ and disability narratives. While it makes strides in gendered progress, these omissions limit its multi-layered breadth.

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Category Breakdown

Does Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on the political and socio-economic landscape of Burkina Faso. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or discussions of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man portray gender?

Good

The film highlights Sankara’s policy initiatives aimed at advancing women's rights. It documents efforts to integrate women into the workforce and challenge restrictive traditional practices.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man?

Excellent

The film excels in centering African identity and the Pan-African experience. It prioritizes the ability to act of African leaders and citizens over Western intervention.

How does Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative provides a robust critique of Western institutions like the IMF and World Bank. It promotes a philosophy of self-sufficiency and anti-imperialism.

Does Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man include disability representation?

Minimal

The film's scope is primarily political and macroeconomic. There is no specific focus on visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Exceptional centering of African identity and Pan-African ability to act.
Strong critique of Western neo-colonialism and global economic structures.
Nuanced portrayal of women's rights and female empowerment in Burkina Faso.

Limited or Absent

Complete absence of LGBTQ+ narratives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Lack of focus on disability representation within the social landscape.
Narrow thematic scope limited primarily to macroeconomics and politics.

Official Synopsis

Thomas Sankara, former president of Burkina Faso, was known as "the African Che", and became famous in Africa due to his innovative ideas, his devastating humor, his spirit and his altruism. More than a classic biography, this film sheds light on the impact that this man and his politic made on Burkina Faso and Africa in general.

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