Cinema
Naitou (l'orpheline)
Naïtou
Moussa Kémoko Diakité · 1982
Synopsis
In a village, Damaye, driven by jealousy, poisons her co-wife. She then turns on Naïtou, the dead woman's daughter, whom she torments by favouring her own daughter, Matou, and whom she prevents from taking part in the initiation rites. Sent to wash the dishes at the riverside, the orphan meets the spirits of the water there. The tale, drawn from the folklore of West Africa, is carried by the music and dance of the Ballet national de Guinée.
Context
Produced by Syli-Cinéma, the state organisation, the film was shot in 35 mm and in colour with members of the Ballet africain of the People's Revolutionary Republic of Guinea. The cinematography is by Mohamed Laalioui, the editing by Ahmed Bouanani and the music by Philemon Hou. Two hours long, it was first shown on 29 October 1982 at the Carthage Film Days, then at the Festival des 3 Continents, in Nantes.
Who it is for
For those who like tales brought to the screen and the great dance troupes of independent Guinea.
Prizes and reception
It has been stressed that it is told through music by the national ballet, which sets it apart from the African cinema of its time.