West African cinema receives a significant spotlight this summer as the Silver Bear-winning masterpiece Samba Traore prepares for its first-ever North American theatrical run. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Idrissa Ouedraogo, the film has undergone a comprehensive 4K restoration, breathing new life into a work frequently cited as one of the most important contributions to global cinema. For cinephiles and students of world cinema, this release offers a rare opportunity to experience a pivotal work on the big screen. Restoration and LegacyThe project was previously selected for the Locarno Heritage Online’s Histoire(s) du Cinéma restoration program, highlighting its status as a cornerstone of West African film history. Whether viewed as a gripping drama or a historical artifact of world cinema, the return of this masterpiece is a welcome addition to the theatrical calendar.