What to Watch
Reconnecting roots: African films celebrating homecoming and cultural rejuvenation.
words: Victoria Taylor
In the heart of the cinematic realm, a magnificent celebration unfolds as African films grace the screen, embracing the essence of ‘homecoming’. With each frame, these captivating narratives paint a vivid tapestry of heritage, resonating with a powerful call to return to your roots.
TIMBUKTU: AMAZON PRIME
In the film Timbuktu, directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, the celebration of homecoming is portrayed through the lens of the impact of Islamic extremism on the people of Timbuktu, Mali. The movie focuses on a family led by a cattle herder, living peacefully in the dunes of Timbuktu, and the challenges they face under the rule of militants who impose chaos and terror on the town. The film vividly illustrates how the militants suppress and control various aspects of daily life, including women’s freedom, music, laughter, cigarettes and soccer, while issuing tragic and absurd sentences through improvised courts.