Ceddo

+ intro by filmmaker and writer Imruh Bakari

Controversial for its portrayal of religious conflict, this ambitious film examines the fight to preserve tradition in the face of encroaching powers.

  • Director

    Ousmane Sembène

  • With

    Tabata Ndiaye, Alioune Fall, Moustapha Yade, Matoura Dia

  • Senegal-France 1977. 120min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    PG

  • English subtitles

Sembène’s second period film, Ceddo (outsiders or non-Muslims in Wolof) takes place in a pre-colonial 18th century. It interweaves oral memory and speculation to portray indigenous cultural resistance against the slave trade and the onslaught of the monotheistic religions of Islam and Christianity. Featuring a gorgeous musical score by Manu Dibango, the film was initially banned in Senegal but is now regarded as a landmark of West African Cinema.

Joint ticket available with African Odysseys: Sembène! + panel discussion on Saturday 5 August, £14, concs £11 (non-Members pay £2 more). Book in person at the box office or by phone on 020 7928 3232.

See another screening of this film.