‘Il Faut Un Village’: a love letter to the heart and soul of Côte d’Ivoire 

Scores of Ivorian men, women, and children flood the streets in jubilation, draped in the national flag, faces painted in orange, white, and green. Some don Côte d’Ivoire’s football jersey, others wear traditional attire, but all of them united – dancing away in celebration following Côte d’Ivoire’s victory over Nigeria in the final of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

These entrancing, euphoric scenes are captured in Il Faut Un Village, an evocative 11-minute short film by Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Stephen Tayo. Through his lens, Tayo spotlights the many faces of Ivorian society, capturing both individual creativity and collective identity during the team’s rollercoaster AFCON campaign last year that ended in unexpected triumph.

What makes the unfiltered joy and raw emotion in Il Faut Un Village so singular is the fact that, during the group stages, les Éléphants – Côte d’Ivoire’s national team – suffered a shocking defeat to Equatorial Guinea and were on the verge of an early exit. Despair, however, turned to relief when they miraculously scraped through to the knockout rounds, igniting a nationwide euphoria. One that intensified with every passing game, ultimately reaching its peak when Sébastien Haller, returning to football after battling cancer, scored the winning goal in the final.

Having first screened in Marrakech earlier this month, Il Faut Un Village delves into the heart of this national transformation, offering an intimate look at Côte d’Ivoire’s cultural vibrancy. Beyond the football, Tayo’s film shifts its gaze to the country’s thriving creative scene, showcasing the artistry of local talents. Tayo embeds himself in the community, capturing scores of Ivorians to craft a photo series that reflects his personal experience of the nation.

Through striking visuals, raw camerawork, and evocative photography, Il Faut Un Village is a testament to the power of culture in shaping identity and unity. From moments of uncertainty to unbridled triumph, Tayo paints a dynamic portrait of a nation under the spotlight.

His film does far more than just document a football story. It offers a rousing narrative of resilience, creativity, and celebration – a reminder of culture’s ability to transcend borders, bring people together, and inspire change.