Ouagadougou: Student Babou Bazi© defended his master's thesis in film and audiovisual studies, titled "Critical Analysis of the Screenplay of the Film Sacred Dance in Yaka by Screenwriter-Director Guy D©sir© Ou©draogo," at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University. His work received the highest distinction following the defense.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Bazi© explored the pivotal role of the screenplay in filmmaking. He emphasized that a screenwriter-director, someone who both writes and directs a film, needs to craft an excellent screenplay to ensure a high-quality film. Bazi© questioned how a screenplay and film by the same author could affect the film's quality, focusing on the dynamics of being both the screenwriter and director.

Bazi© elaborated on the dual role of the writer-director as the originator of both the screenplay and the film. His study aimed to assess whether a screenwriter can create an outstanding film from their screenplay. The research centered on Guy D©sir© Ou©draogo's work to understand discrepancies between screenplays and their screen adaptations.

The thesis proposed two hypotheses regarding the existence of differences between scripts and films, as well as the reasons for these disparities. Bazi© identified factors such as budgetary constraints, political or social influences, and artistic choices as primary causes of these discrepancies, noting that changes often occur during production.

Bazi© highlighted the filmmaker's capability to innovate beyond the script, often altering elements upon arriving at filming locations. He believes that his research can significantly impact Burkinabe and African cinema by emphasizing the screenwriter's integral role in filmmaking.

He posed critical questions about the necessity of good scripts for good films and the training of screenwriters to create films that transcend Burkina Faso's borders.

The thesis received commendation from Professor Yves DAKOUO, a jury chairman and language sciences specialist, who lauded the quality of Bazi©'s work. Professor DAKOUO recognized the thesis as a pioneering effort in a relatively undeveloped research area within their master's program, expressing hope for future research inspired by this study.