African Film et l'Occident

This last quarter I took a French film class. However, since my instructor had just spent a year in Burkina Faso, so she decided to focus the class on films that revolved around former French colonies of Africa. Most of the films dealt with the influence and affect France has had on the development of these countries post-independence and the experience of the African immigrant in France. I don't know how many of these films all you Netflix-addicts will be able to find. Burkina Faso is the home to the African version of Cannes and it seems that maybe some of these would be pretty difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, I know many film nerds and thought maybe it would be beneficial to pass on the titles and a short description of some of my favorites. (Plus, by doing this, I am helping myself with my final.)

* Black and White In Color (La victoire en chantant) by Jean-Jacques Annaud (1976)

Taking place in Africa during World War 1, this film exposes the absurdity of nationalism and the attempt to re-inact the war being fought on mainland Europe in Africa between the colonies. I guess this really went down. Except who were the soldiers? Not the colonizers that is for sure. This film makes an interesting social commentary through exposing the absurd and often highly comical actions and events of this strange period in history.

*Chocolat by Claire Denis (1988)

Not not that shitty film starring Johnny Depp that came out a few years ago. This film by Claire Denis examines the various power roles during the last days of African colonialization. In addition, to be an intriguing and subtle film, it is also shot exceptionally beautiful. Highly recommended.

*The Battle of Algiers (La bataille d'Alger) by Gillo Pontecorvo (1963)

This is probably the most famous film that we saw all quarter. This film is kind of a must for all lovers of film. Examines the events that took place in Algiers in the 50's which eventually led to the atrocious and bloody Algerian war for independence against France. The film follows an illiterate criminal who works his way up a terrorists organization in the city of Algeria who commits various crimes against the French occupiers until the French Army is called in to squash the rebellion. There are many great elements to this film. Good acting, great soundtrack by Morricone, etc. However, its impressive how much this film is still relevant today by humanizing all those involved until it becomes not so clear who is right or in the wrong. Interestingly, the Pentagon made this film mandatory for all top U.S. military leaders leading up to the invasion of Iraq.


* Twisting in Poponguine (Ça twiste à Poponguine) by Moussa Sena Absa (1994)

One of my favorites of the quarter, this film takes place in a small town in Senegal and follows two teenage gangs imitating their favorite Western rock n roll stars. One names themselves after all American rock stars while the other are named after French rockstars. This film examines the search and struggle for identity in the first years of post-colonial Africa. Once again, the film makes a poignant social commentary through absurd, entertaining and extremely funny moments. In addition, Absa uses almost no professional actors in this film. Find this.

*Sango Malo by Bassek Ba Kobhio (1991)

Kobhio first wrote a novel and then turned his own book into this film that examines the role and importance of education in helping Africa develop. Kobhio brings up an interesting power struggle between communist-style and Western, capitalist influenced style education. This film contains many different elements that seem important in the development of Africa. It exposes contemporary corruption and the problems that exist but then questions the alternatives. There are a few, overly dramatic moments of this film but overall I found it to be enjoyable while enlightening me on something I wasn't entirely aware of.

Dakan by Mohamed Camara (1997)

This is the first film about homosexuality in sub-sahara Africa where many countries still openly state that such does not exist in their country. I feel like films that are specifically about the subject of homosexuality tend to overemphasize their themes and thus making the film feel very cliche and trite. However, Dakan successfully avoids falling into these trappings in telling the story of two boys, from different economic backgrounds, who fall in love in a society that doesn't even recognize the existence of such occurrence even being able to happen. The first half of this film trots along with relative ease while the second half gets suddenly way more complex resulting in a much more powerful film that originally indicated. Some of this has to do with the introduction of a white girl who is African and has a black mother. This never really gets explained but adds an interesting element that reminds of colonialization and its continued presence in Africa. Recommended.


No Fear, No Die (S'en fout la mort) by Claire Denis (1990)

Another film by Claire Denis that now examines the experience of two African immigrants living in France working as cock-trainers in an underground cock-fighting circuit on the outskirts of Paris. The theme of power once again returns and while this film doesn't specifically focus on Africa or colonialization, it does bring up many interesting themes regarding not just race but gender and class as well. In addition, this stars Issach De Bankolé who is a bad ass French-speaking actor from the Ivory Coast who you might recognize from Diving Bell and the Butterfly or Coffee and Cigarettes.