Salif Koné goes beyond illusions

Salyffou, alias Salif Koné, is an Ivorian producer, director, actor and screenwriter. Passionate about cinema since childhood, he strives, through his works, to promote African talent and tell deeply human stories. He started out with short films broadcast online, which have accumulated more than 30 million views. As an actor, he starred in Alex Ogou’s series Obantaga. His short film Les Fleurs du Mal has exceeded one million views on YouTube.

The film is being screened in more than ten cities in France, including Paris, which is a strong signal for the production of African and Afro-descendant films. This proves that our stories have an audience ready to welcome them, beyond borders.

In 2021, he founded CED Film, a production company dedicated to promoting Ivorian cinema and supporting young talent. His first feature film, Au-delà des illusions (Beyond Illusions), which he wrote, produced and directed, won the NISA d’Or, the European Union prize at Fespaco (Ouagadougou), as well as the Best Screenplay award at the Recico Festival. The film was also nominated at the Zózimo Bulbul Festival in Brazil, the Bangui Fait Son Cinéma Festival in the Central African Republic, and the Ag’na Festival.

What is your new film about?

Au-delà des illusions is a social drama that addresses the issue of life choices and their consequences, particularly among young people. The story follows William and Jack, two friends who discover a bag of drugs and gradually find themselves drawn into a dangerous world under the influence of a certain Lucas. Through this film, I wanted to raise awareness among African youth about the dangers of taking the easy way out, while also talking about responsibility, friendship and redemption. I also wanted to make a deeply human film, shot in Côte d’Ivoire, that combines realism, emotion and suspense, with a style designed to touch and provoke thought.

What themes do you address?

Youth, temptation, friendship, redemption… I wanted to show how a simple decision can change the course of a life, especially in a context where many young people are faced with unemployment, social pressure and the quest for quick success. These themes are close to my heart because they reflect the reality of our society, and I believe that cinema should also serve to raise awareness and encourage reflection, while telling human and sincere stories.

Today, many people, especially young people, think that success is measured by money or appearance. However, in reality, this quest often ends up distancing us from what is essential: true human values. Through Beyond Illusions, I wanted to remind people that happiness cannot be bought, but is built on sincerity, love, friendship and inner peace. This film shows that even when we lose everything materially, we still have our humanity, and that is often where we discover our true wealth.

The box office results are encouraging…

I think this enthusiasm stems above all from the film’s universal message. It talks about reality, choices, temptations and human values – themes that affect everyone, especially African youth. I believe it is an authentic film, rooted in our culture but told in a modern cinematic language, which makes it easy for audiences to identify with. African audiences are hungry for true stories and faces that resemble their own, and I believe that is what this film offers them. This warm reception, with more than 1,500 admissions since its release, proves that African cinema can find its audience, and that all it needs is sincere, well-produced works.

How do you see the evolution of African cinema?

The trend is positive. We are seeing the emergence of a new generation of daring filmmakers who tell their stories with authenticity. Thanks to new technologies and digital platforms, our films are travelling further and finding their audience. Africa is gradually asserting its place in world cinema, with a strong identity and stories that reflect who we are.

What would it take to better promote African cinema internationally?

We need to invest in quality production with strong scripts and modern techniques, strengthen the training of talent such as directors, actors and technicians, actively participate in international festivals and distribution platforms, create international partnerships and co-productions to increase visibility, and effectively communicate our films by telling universal yet deeply African stories, in order to show that African cinema can compete with any industry while retaining its uniqueness.

Are African actors well represented in the world of cinema?

They are starting to be better represented, but there is still a long way to go. Today, we see them in international productions, festivals and on streaming platforms, which helps to showcase their talent. However, their visibility often depends on stereotypical or limited roles, and it is crucial to offer them rich and diverse characters so that the world can fully discover the diversity and depth of African talent.

The acclaim your film has received is also significant, as evidenced by the awards it has won…

It is a source of immense pride and great emotion. Receiving the European Union Award at FESPACO 2025 is recognition of the hard work of an entire team and our commitment to telling powerful and sincere African stories.

For me, it is also proof that Ivorian and African cinema can reach an international audience, inspire and provoke thought.

This recognition is an encouragement to continue to innovate, create and raise our voices and our stories. The film is being screened in more than ten cities in France, including Paris, which is a strong signal for the production of African or Afro-descendant films. It proves that our stories have an audience ready to welcome them, beyond borders.

Now, I hope to be able to further expand distribution, strengthen the presence of African cinema on the international stage and continue to create authentic, universal and powerful films that can touch and inspire audiences around the world.

Any message you’d like to share?

I would like to say to all young filmmakers and enthusiasts in Africa and elsewhere that African cinema is a vehicle for powerful and universal stories. Don’t wait for recognition from others to create, dare to tell your truths, explore your ideas and bring your dreams to life! It is by persevering, working with passion and remaining true to your vision that you will touch hearts and inspire the world. Believe in yourself until others believe in you, not the other way around.