Country: Senegal

Direction Ousmane Sembene · Thierno Faty Sow

Cast Sidiki Bakaba · Hamed Camara · Philippe Chamelat · Ismaila Cissé

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Maimouna Helene Diarra · Fatoumata Coulibaly · Salimata Traore · Dominique T. Zeida

Synopsis Moolaadé (2004) unfolds in a rural community in Burkina Faso, addressing the profound issue of female genital mutilation. The narrative, however, extends beyond the geographical boundaries where this practice is prevalent. The story revolves around Colle (Fatoumata Coulibaly), a resolute...

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Mbissine Thérèse Diop · Anne-Marie Jelinek · Robert Fontaine · Momar Nar Sene

Synopsis Black Girl (1966) follows the journey of Diouanne, a young Senegalese woman who seeks a brighter future and secures a position as a nanny for an affluent French household. Initially hopeful, Diouanne's experiences turn sour as she faces mistreatment from...

Direction Mansour Sora Wade

Cast Hubert Koundé · Rokhaya Niang · Gora Seck · Alioune Ndiaye

Direction Djibril Diop Mambéty

Cast Ami Diakhate · Djibril Diop Mambéty · Mansour Diouf · Calgou Fall

Synopsis Hyenas (1992) centers around Dramaan, a man who enjoys immense popularity in the town of Colobane. However, his status starts to shift when a woman from his past, who has since amassed considerable wealth, makes her way back to the...

Direction Djibril Diop Mambéty

Cast Lissa Balera · Aminata Fall · Tayerou M'Baye

Synopsis The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun (1999) is a heartwarming tale directed by Djibril Diop Mambety, serving as the second part of an unfinished trilogy known as “Tales of Little People.” This film shifts from the documentary style of...

Direction Samba Gadjigo · Jason Silverman

Cast Ousmane Sembene

Synopsis Sembene! (2015) delves into the life and legacy of Ousmane Sembene (1923-2007), a pivotal figure in African cinema. Nicknamed "the father of African film," Sembene's journey is explored through a personal narrative that traverses Dakar, Senegal, Marseille, France, and New...

Direction Mati Diop

Cast Dowoti Desir · Micheline Ayinon · Bicarel Gnikpo · Nadia Vihoutou Kponadou

Synopsis Dahomey (2024) follows the journey of 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey as they prepare to depart from Paris and return to their homeland, the modern-day Republic of Benin, in November 2021. These artifacts, along with thousands of...

Direction Moussa Touré

Cast Souleymane Seye Ndiaye · Laïty Fall · Malaminé 'Yalenguen' Dramé · Balla Diarra

Synopsis The Pirogue (2012) follows Baye Laye, a seasoned captain of a fishing vessel, who, like many Senegalese, aspires to secure a better future for his family. When presented with the opportunity to guide a pirogue filled with migrants towards Europe...

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Douta Seck · Makhouredia Gueye · Seun Samb · Tierno Leye

Synopsis The Curse (Impotence) (1975) follows the story of a wealthy and morally bankrupt businessman who ties the knot for the third time, primarily to garner media attention. However, his wedding night is a letdown, as he finds himself unable to...

Direction Mati Diop

Cast Magaye Niang · Wasis Diop · Ben D. Beye · Joe Ouakam

Synopsis One Thousand Suns (2013) delves into the intricate narrative of Mati Diop's lineage, which is deeply intertwined with the evolution of cinema and the rich history of Senegal. The documentary focuses on Magaye Niang, the lead actor from the iconic...

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Makhouredia Gueye · Ynousse N'Diaye · Isseu Niang · Serigne N'Diayes

Synopsis Mandabi (1968) follows the story of Ibrahima, an unemployed man residing in Senegal with his two wives and children. A relative living in France sends him a money order worth 25,000 Francs, earned through hard labor as a street sweeper....

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Ly Abdoulaye · Melle N’Diaye · Albourah

Synopsis Borom sarret (S) (1962) is a poignant film directed by Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, which chronicles the struggles of an impoverished cart driver navigating the bustling streets of Dakar. The protagonist, a humble cart driver, faces a constant battle to...

Direction Mamadou Dia

Cast Alassane Sy · Penda Daly Sy · Saikou Lô

Synopsis Nafi's Father (2019) delves into the intense conflict between an Imam and his influential sibling, as they clash over the impending marriages of their children. This gripping narrative unfolds within a tight-knit community, gradually revealing how the escalating tensions steer...

Direction Djibril Diop Mambéty

Cast Dieye Ma Dieye · Aminata Fall · Demba Bâ

Synopsis Le franc (1994) follows the journey of a resourceful but impoverished musician who makes a bold decision to purchase a lottery ticket. In a creative twist, he affixes the ticket to his back door, intending to reclaim it later from...

Direction Djibril Diop Mambéty

Cast Magaye Niang · Mareme Niang · Aminata Fall · Ousseynou Diop

Synopsis Touki Bouki (Journey of the Hyena) (1973) follows the story of Mory, a cowherd with a distinctive motorcycle adorned with a cow's skull, and Anta, a university student, who cross paths in the bustling city of Dakar, Senegal. Feeling disconnected...

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Robert Fontaine · Michel Remaudeau · Pierre Blanchard

Direction Ramata-Toulaye Sy

Cast Khady Mane · Mamadou Diallo · Binta Racine Sy · Moussa Sow

Synopsis Banel & Adama (2023) follows the journey of a young couple in Senegal who face significant challenges due to the disapproval of their isolated rural community. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of societal expectations and traditional norms, as...

Direction Mama Keïta

Cast William Nadylam · Ibrahima Mbaye · Mouss Diouf · Mame Ndoumbé Diop

Synopsis The Absence (2009) follows the journey of Adama, a young polytechnician who, after excelling in her studies and being away for 15 years, hastily returns to Senegal upon learning that her grandmother is critically ill. Her brief visit to her...

Direction Ousmane Sembene

Cast Tabata Ndiaye · Moustapha Yade · Ismaila Diagne · Matoura Dia