Abderrahmane Sissako / 2006 / Mauretania, Mali / Drama / 120 min / French
Who should decide what’s best for Africa? We follow a trial that takes place on a lively courtyard in Mali’s capital, Bamako. On the defendants’ bench sit the World Bank and IMF, on the other side are Malians testifying about their country’s increasing poverty. In the midst of the trial, daily life continues with marital problems, fabric dyeing, and weddings. The film features music by the Malian singer Oumou Sangaré.
Abderramane Sissako is an acclaimed director whose understated and contemplative films allow the viewer to get close to everyday life and people. For the critically acclaimed Bamako, which premiered at Cannes, he received several international awards, and in 2015, he was awarded a Cesar for Best Director for the film Timbuktu.
