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Dahomey

Feature
View all films tagged "Feature"
Cinematic Vision Award
View all films tagged "Cinematic Vision Award"

"Dahomey" chronicles the 2021 return of 26 royal treasures to Benin from France, 61 years post-independence. Filmmaker Mati Diop blends observational footage and hybrid techniques to capture this pivotal moment in post-colonial cultural politics. Following the artifacts' journey from Paris to Benin, the film incorporates the voice of King Gezo's statue speaking in Fon. Through poetic visuals and debates among Beninese students, Diop explores questions of cultural identity, historical trauma, and colonial redress, offering a multifaceted reflection on whether the looting can ever be repaid. (mg)

Showings – select to order tickets:
  • Year:
    2024
  • Country:
    France, Senegal, Benin
  • Premiere:
    US Premiere