LAURENT BITTY

Koua Faustin André Cédric
Dec 9
3 min read

LAURENT BITTY

Architect of a New Ivorian Audiovisual Ecosystem

By Faustin André Cédric Kissi Koua

The Ivorian film and audiovisual landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by key figures whose commitment extends far beyond artistic production to include structuring the sector and passing on knowledge. Among them, Laurent Bitty stands out as a central figure, combining the roles of perceptive producer, socially engaged director, and president of initiatives that are crucial for the future of the industry. His rich and diverse career reflects a clear ambition: to equip Côte d’Ivoire with a professional, autonomous audiovisual industry capable of telling its own stories.

From Stage Actor to Executive Producer

Laurent Bitty’s journey is that of a cultural practitioner shaped by the rigor of dramatic arts training. He earned a Master’s degree in Dramatic Arts in 2012, followed by a Professional Master’s in Museology in 2014 at the National Institute of Arts (INA). He first stepped into the spotlight as an actor at the National Theatre, and this early immersion in artistic expression sharpened his sensitivity to narrative issues and the power of the moving image.

His expertise soon shifted toward the inner workings of production. As delegate producer at LES FILMS DU CONTINENT, Laurent Bitty oversees multiple projects at various stages of development, demonstrating a solid command of the logistical and financial challenges inherent to audiovisual creation in West Africa. This dual artistic and managerial competence gives him a unique legitimacy to address the structural challenges facing the industry.

Area of Expertise – Key Roles and Commitments

Production / Direction: Delegate producer at LES FILMS DU CONTINENT
Training / Knowledge Transfer: Promoter of the Africadoc–Côte d’Ivoire association
Project Development: President of the Ateliers Grand-Bassam
Professional Integration: Founder and President of the FIMCA project

FIMCA: The Imperative of Professionalization

Laurent Bitty’s commitment to training and integrating young professionals takes concrete shape through the FIMCA project (Training and Integration in Film and Audiovisual Professions). Launched by the Africadoc Côte d’Ivoire association he leads, FIMCA directly addresses the shortage of qualified technical crews, a major obstacle to the emergence of high-quality local production.

This ambitious program aims to train and professionally integrate nearly 160 young people in 13 key technical trades, ranging from sound recording to post-production. Its originality lies in a “learning by doing” model, where trainees are placed directly on real productions, ensuring immediate hands-on experience and smoother access to the job market.

FIMCA’s success and relevance rest on strong institutional partnerships, including:

The Ministry of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship (METFPA)
The National Film Office of Côte d’Ivoire (ONAC-CI)
The German development agency GIZ, through its INVEST JOB program

This public–private–international consortium highlights how widely Laurent Bitty’s approach is recognized as a key driver for the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s creative economy.

A Vision to Reinvent Narratives and Build the Future

Beyond production figures and training statistics, Laurent Bitty carries a deeply philosophical vision for Ivorian cinema. He advocates for an industry that reclaims its ability to “reinvent our narratives by writing our own history”. The aim is not only to make films, but to build an authentic narrative corpus rooted in Ivorian realities and aspirations.

His active participation in international platforms such as La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut Français, along with his involvement in the Ateliers Grand-Bassam, which select and support promising film projects, confirms his role as a bridge between emerging creators and global funding and distribution networks.

Laurent Bitty works toward an ecosystem where creativity is sustained by strong structures. His action is built on three inseparable pillars:

Talent Development: Ensuring the next generation of technical and artistic professionals
Content Production: Creating work that is both competitive and culturally meaningful
International Outreach: Positioning Ivorian cinema on the global map

Laurent Bitty is therefore much more than a producer or director; he is one of the architects of a new era for the audiovisual sector in Côte d’Ivoire. Through his tireless commitment to training via FIMCA and his vision of a cinema that tells its own story, he is laying the foundations of a sustainable, professional industry resolutely turned toward the future. His work eloquently demonstrates that the development of a vibrant film culture necessarily depends on long-term human investment and robust structural support.