Dahomey

2024 · 68 min · FR · 6.5 (77 votes)

Dir. Mati Diop · Starring Lucrèce Hougbelo, Parfait Vaiayinon, Didier Sedoha Nassangade, Sabine Badjogoumin, Dowoti Desir, Micheline Ayinon · Music Dean Blunt

Documentary

Thousands of royal artifacts of Dahomey, a West African kingdom, were taken by French colonists in the 19th century for collection and display in Paris. Centuries later, a fraction returned to their home in modern-day Benin. This dramatized documentary follows the journey of 26 of the treasures as told by cultural art historians, embattled university students, and one of the repatriated statues himself.

VIBE

A deeply reflective and poignant journey into the heart of cultural reclamation. It feels like a quiet, powerful dialogue with history, exploring the weight of artifacts and the enduring spirit of a people. The film offers a thoughtful, emotionally resonant experience, inviting contemplation on heritage and belonging.

reflectivepoignanthistoricalculturally richthought-provokingsteadyobservational documentarypoetic narrationhistorical reflectioncultural explorationrepatriationcolonialism's legacycultural identityhistorical justiceart and heritage