Featured image for “Moolaadé”
Shown: January 12, 2019 at 6pm

Director : Ousmane Sembène

Country : Senegal

Release Date : 2004

Duration : 120 mins

Language : French and Bambara

Subtitles : Yes

WINNER : UN CERTAIN REGARD – 2004 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Set in a small African village, four young girls who face a ritual “purification” flee to the household of Colle’ Ardo Gallo Sy, a strong-willed woman who has managed to shield her own teenage daughter from mutilation. Colle’ invokes the time-honoured custom of moolaadé (sanctuary) to protect the fugitives. Tension mounts as the ensuing stand-off pits Colle’ against a village traditionalists (both male and female) and endangers the prospective marriage of her daughter to the heir-apparent to the tribal throne.

Thrilling and alive and far more entertaining and exciting and easy to watch than just about any message movie you have ever seen … a cinematic triumph of the highest order.”  (Tim Brayton – Antagony & Ecstasy)


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