TIFF 2024: Dahomey Movie Trailer
Director: Mati Diop
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Benin, France, Senegal | 2024 | 68m | French, Fon, English
About the Film
Mati Diop, the visionary behind Atlantics (TIFF ’19), brings a new layer of depth to her exploration of identity and history with Dahomey. This documentary, which won the Golden Bear at Berlinale 2024, delves into the historic repatriation of 26 royal treasures from France to Benin, casting a critical eye on cultural heritage and colonial legacies.
Set against the backdrop of the 2021 return of these artifacts—looted by French colonial forces in 1892—the film captures the treasures’ journey from the Musée du quai Branly in Paris to their homeland. Diop’s lens elegantly navigates the logistics of this repatriation while also invoking the specters of history through surreal and evocative storytelling.
The film is not just a recount of a historical event but also a reflection on the broader implications of cultural restitution. Through the voices of Beninese students and teachers at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Dahomey engages in a vibrant debate about the significance of these returning artifacts. Diop’s use of haunting music by Dean Blunt and Wally Badarou, along with the disembodied voice of a bronze statue speaking in Fon, adds a dreamlike quality to this important narrative.
What to Expect
Dahomey is a hybrid of documentary and speculative reflection, seamlessly blending real-life events with a poetic and introspective approach. The film starts in the stark, clinical environment of the Musée du quai Branly, contrasting sharply with the rich cultural history of the Dahomey Kingdom. This juxtaposition sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing impact of historical injustices.
Diop’s film is both a visual and intellectual journey, examining the return of these artifacts not just as a logistical achievement but as a profound act of cultural and historical reconciliation. The conversations among Beninese scholars and students provide a window into the complex feelings surrounding this restitution and the continuing quest for justice and recognition.
When and Where
Don’t miss your chance to see Dahomey at TIFF 2024 on these dates:
- Thursday, September 5 – TIFF Lightbox, 12:00 PM (Press & Industry)
- Friday, September 13 – TIFF Lightbox, 8:30 PM
- Saturday, September 14 – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, 2:30 PM
Final Thoughts
Mati Diop’s Dahomey is a striking and timely exploration of the intersections between art, history, and justice. It’s a must-see for those interested in the effects of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for cultural restitution. Diop’s unique perspective and poetic touch make this film a compelling addition to the discourse on heritage and history.
