Feature film
Xime
Sana Na N'Hada · 1994
Synopsis
In 1962, in the village of Xime, in Portuguese Guinea, Iala has two sons. The elder, Raul, studies at the seminary in Bissau, but he has secretly joined the liberation movement and becomes a fugitive sought by the colonial authorities. The younger, Bedan, who has stayed in the village, refuses the rites of passage and falls in love with N'dai, his father's young fiancée. When Raul returns with his revolutionary ideas and the army intervenes, Bedan must choose between non-violence and revolt.
Context
The ninety-five-minute film, shot in Creole, was co-produced notably by Joop van Wijk, Jacques Bidou and Hillie Molenaar. It was selected at Cannes in 1994 in the Un certain regard section. Its director, presented as the country's first filmmaker, had joined the ranks of the independence party while young, and Africa is a Country ranks him among the great African directors.
Who it is for
A film in Creole, subtitled in French; a family and political drama, accessible without knowing the country.
Prizes and reception
The Cannes selection made its director known well beyond the African festivals.
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