This little piece from Burkian Faso is an appealing love story surrounding the “Magic Cake” that enchants those who even take a whiff of it. The story begins as a strange and mysterious woman enters the village and gives birth to a baby girl before dying. The girl is named Kounandi, and is later adopted by a couple that has marital problems. The village king foretells the couple that their daughter, Kounandi, will resolve their differences. Contrary to the king’s prophecy, the couple’s marital dispute gets worse over the years and finally the family falls apart. Kounandi is rejected by the villagers because of her appearance. The only thing that she owns is cake-making pan inherited from her birth mother. As she starts to bake with the pan, love finally enters her life.
 Burkina Faso, just like any other country in Africa, has a complex colonial history. Through French colonization and becoming an autonomous republic, Burkina Faso is now independent republic. The official name of the country was declared in 1984. Director Apolline Traor?was born in Burkina Faso, studied film in the United States, and participated in the production of many independent films. Upon returning to her country she produced the film Kounandi. Along with Grietjie from Garies, these two films are presented to the 7th Women’s Film Festival in Seoul for the first time. These films present a great opportunity to experience the unique cultures of Africa. (Jay Sohn)