Dominique T. Zeïda is an actor and director originally from Burkina Faso. He trained in filmmaking in Russia, where he studied at the prestigious VGIK (State Institute of Cinematography) in Moscow between 1985 and 1991. He later recounted this formative experience in his 2009 documentary film “Souvenirs d'URSS.” In addition to directing, Zeïda has also played a significant role in African cinema as an assistant director, notably working as first assistant to Idrissa Ouedraogo on the film “Samba Traoré” (1992). As an actor, he is known to international audiences for his portrayal of the character “Mercenaire” (the Mercenary) in the acclaimed film “Moolaadé” (2004), directed by African cinema pioneer Ousmane Sembène.