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Dahomey

6.5

MovieDocumentary20241h 8m

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.

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Dahomey poster

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.

Directed by
Mati Diop
Written by
Mati Diop
Genres
Documentary
Released
September 11, 2024
Runtime
1h 8m
Status
Released
Language
French
Countries
France, Senegal
Studios
Les Films du Bal, Fanta Sy, ARTE France Cinéma
Box office
$506,090
  • LLucrèce Hougbelo(voice)
  • PParfait Vaiayinon(voice)
  • DDidier Sedoha Nassangade(voice)
  • SSabine Badjogoumin(voice)
  • DDowoti DesirSelf
  • MMicheline AyinonSelf
  • BBicarel GnikpoSelf
  • NNadia Vihoutou KponadouSelf
  • CCarlos OunsouganRadio Univers
  • SSaturnin OlouRadio Univers
  • MMichael VogbeRadio Univers
  • PPricette ZannouRadio Univers
  • AArmel AnagonouRadio Univers
  • AAmour AmoussouvikpoRadio Univers
  • AAlexandre ViakinnouRadio Univers
  • WWillyam KlikanRadio Univers
  • WWilfried KiataganRadio Univers
  • SSarkis GounonRadio Univers
  • LLino MewdehouRadio Univers
  • PPretextat BgelidiRadio Univers

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Availability for your region. Streaming data provided by JustWatch.

  • CinemaSerf★ 6October 31, 2024
    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-bui…Read more

    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.

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