The late Malian director Souleymane Cissé (1940 – 2025) once described the power of the imagination as “planetary, cosmic”. His arresting and mythical African drama Yeelen (translated as ‘Brightness’ or ‘Light’) is testament to that.
Soma Diarra (Niamanto Sanogo) is a member of a feared Bambara secret society. His closest rival is his son Nianankoro (Issiaka Kane) whom Diarra plots to kill. Transcending our notion of time, what unfolds is a gripping parable that strikes an atavistic and primal chord with regards to the cycles of power, life and death. Film Comment called Yeelen “not only the most beautifully photographed African film ever, but also the best African film ever made”. It’s certainly hard to disagree when viewing Diarra’s stylised vision of deep-seated jealousy, one that is now presented in a lustrous 35mm print. The movie, winner of a Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 and a nominee for the Golden Palm, is screening as part of our Reframing Film strand and is aching to be rediscovered by a new audience.
Restored in 2k by Les Films Cissé, the production company of Souleymane Cissé with thanks to Trigon Film.
With an introduction by film curator, programmer and producer Mosa Mpetha.
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