6.7
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.
Lucrèce Hougbelo
(voice)
Parfait Vaiayinon
(voice)
Didier Sedoha Nassangade
(voice)
Sabine Badjogoumin
(voice)
Dowoti Desir
Self
Micheline Ayinon
Self
Bicarel Gnikpo
Self
Nadia Vihoutou Kponadou
Self
Carlos Ounsougan
Radio Univers
Saturnin Olou
Radio Univers
Michael Vogbe
Radio Univers
Pricette Zannou
Radio Univers
Armel Anagonou
Radio Univers
Amour Amoussouvikpo
Radio Univers
Alexandre Viakinnou
Radio Univers
Willyam Klikan
Radio Univers
Wilfried Kiatagan
Radio Univers
Sarkis Gounon
Radio Univers
Lino Mewdehou
Radio Univers
Pretextat Bgelidi
Radio Univers
Gilbert Tonouewa
Radio Univers
Placide Kagbanon
Radio Univers
Gildas Adannou
Self
Morias Agbessi
Self
Maryline Agbossi
Self
Habib Ahandessi
Self
Didier Donatien Alihonou
Self
Imelda Batamoussi
Self
Calixte Biah
Self
Jules Bocco
Self
Messi Boco
Self
Diane Cakpo
Self
Gaël Daavo
Self
Chamelie Dognon
Self
Paul Timothée Doto
Self
Odilon Gbenontin
Self
Donald Gbossa
Self
Alain Godonou
Self - Commissaire de l'exposition
Gilbert Godovo
Self
Edah Gontran
Self
Joséa Guedje
Self
Abdoulaye Imorou
Self
Yvon Kossou-Yovo
Self
Raïmi Bassitou Nouatin
Self
Rose Ouemeho
Self
Richard J.V. Sogan
Self
Joël Tchogbé
Self
Director, Writer
Mati Diop
October 31, 2024
6
With over 7,000 pieces taken by the colonising French from their homes in the ancient African kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin), there is much celebration amongst the population at the return of 26 artefacts. These range from statues of their legendary Kings Ghezo and Béhanzin to objects of religious significance and items of such an intricate design that their condition will require perpetual care in a new, purpose-built, home near the Presidential Palace. Sadly, we just don't spend enough time with these beautifully crafted sculptures, nor do we really learn very much about the history of them, their historical provenance nor really anything much about the colonial "treaties" that facilitated their move in the first place. It lacks a narration. Not often that bothers me, but at times this whole thing reminded me of one of those films you'd watch for ten minutes if you were visiting a museum before you moved on. It's presented as if it were the introductory edition of a multi-part documentary that was going to explore more and fill in many of the gaps left unexplained in this hour long preview. Too much of it is spent following a group of young people in a forum arguing about the relative merits (or demerits) of this gesture from the French, and though it can be interesting at times to listen to the differing views in this "what's past is prologue" type debate, it wasn't what I wanted to see. I wanted much more about the fascinating mythology that attributed animal features to human beings in the way the Egyptians did two thousand years earlier. What was their significance? How were they to be conserved, preserved, exhibited - and, quite importantly, to whom. None of that was really gone into and I found that all a little disappointing. It may stimulate further reading but as it stands, it's not great.
Status:
Released
Original Language:
French
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$506,090.00