Lilwin Faces Setback as Youths Disrupt Filming of Biopic on Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré
Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, has encountered a major hurdle in the production of his latest film a biopic on Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the charismatic young leader of Burkina Faso. The project, which was nearing completion, was abruptly halted following a violent disruption on set by a group of unidentified youths.
In what was meant to be a tribute to African leadership and resilience, Lilwin took on the challenge of telling the story of Captain Traoré, a rising political figure hailed by many as the “new Sankara.” The Burkinabé captain has garnered widespread admiration for his anti-colonial rhetoric, bold reforms, and commitment to national sovereignty.
“People see him as the new Sankara,” Lilwin shared in an earlier interview. “His courage and leadership are inspiring, especially for the youth. That’s why I wanted to tell his story.”
However, the project was thrown into disarray when approximately ten young men on motorbikes stormed the filming location. According to Lilwin, the group demanded that production be halted immediately. Efforts to resolve the matter peacefully failed, and the confrontation escalated, resulting in property damage and chaos.
“They damaged our equipment and caused chaos,” Lilwin recounted. “The place was rented it was someone’s property, and we were paying GHC15,000 every day to use it.
Due to the tension and disruption, the landlord, fearing further trouble, asked Lilwin and his team to vacate the premises. This unexpected eviction has caused not only financial losses but also emotional strain on the production team, especially as the film had reached its climax.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Lilwin admitted. “We were just steps away from completing what could have been an inspiring African story.”
Despite the major setback, the award-winning actor is determined to see the film through to completion. With the majority of key scenes already filmed, Lilwin is optimistic about releasing the movie and honouring the legacy of Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
He remains committed to using his platform to highlight strong African voices and inspire future generations through storytelling.
As the situation unfolds, many fans and industry watchers are expressing support for Lilwin, urging authorities to investigate the attack and ensure that creative voices are protected in Ghana and beyond.