A French-Ivorian drama fictionalizing the 2011 post-election crisis in Ivory Coast, directed by Philippe Lacôte.
Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases
Historical Context
The narrative grounds itself in the real-world 2011 post-election crisis in Ivory Coast, establishing the violent backdrop that shaped the film's fictionalized account.
Key Events
Historical Backdrop — Film fictionalizes the 2011 post-election upheaval that killed 3000 people. Characters: Run, Assa, ClaireLocation: Ivory Coast
Cannes Premiere — Screened in the Un Certain Regard section as the first Ivorian film selected. Location: Cannes Film Festival
Cast Introduction — Main cast members Abdoul Karim Konaté, Isaach de Bankolé, and Djinda Kane are credited. Characters: Run, Assa, ClaireLocation: Film Production
Festival Premiere
The film achieves a major milestone by being screened at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section, marking a historic moment for Ivorian cinema.
Key Events
Cannes Premiere — Screened in the Un Certain Regard section as the first Ivorian film selected. Location: Cannes Film Festival
Academy Submission — Selected as the Ivorian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards. Location: Academy of Motion Picture Arts
Award Recognition
The production receives international attention through Academy submission and multiple AMAA nominations, though it ultimately leaves without wins.
Key Events
Award Nominations — Received 12 nominations at the 11th AMAA but did not win any award. Location: Africa Movie Academy Awards
Story Breakdown
Historical Basis — Rooted in real-world political violence
2011 Crisis — Post-election upheaval depicted
Casualty Count — 3000 people killed during events
Festival Journey — Path to international recognition
Cannes Selection — Screened in Un Certain Regard
Ivorian Milestone — First film from country selected
Academy Entry — Oscar submission process
Foreign Language — Best Foreign Language Film category
88th Awards — Submitted but not nominated
Award Nominations — Recognition at regional ceremonies
AMAA Nominations — 12 nominations received
Zero Wins — Did not win any awards
Cast & Crew — Key creative personnel involved
Director Lacôte — Philippe Lacôte directed the film
Lead Actors — Konaté, de Bankolé, and Kane star
Cultural Impact — Significance in African cinema
Ivorian Cinema — Pioneering national representation
Global Screening — International festival distribution
Run escapes... He just killed the Prime Minister of his country. In order to do so, he had to act as if he was a crazy man, wandering through the city. His life comes back by flashes; his childhood with Tourou when his dream was to become a rain miracle-worker, his adventures with Gladys the eater, and his past as a young member of militia, in the heart of the politic and military conflict in Ivory Coast. All those lives, Run didn't choose them. Every time, he felt in by running from another life. That's the reason why his name's Run.
