In Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s stunning debut, Banel can scarcely stand to be separated from her lover, Adama, even for a few hours. But her passion and defiance alarm the elders, and the drought that consumes their village feels like a curse. This timeless fable of amour fou evokes ancient myth and Senegalese folk tale, but it could equally play as an American film noir. Desire is the agent of destruction, to put oneself above community and morality is to incur the wrath of the gods.
In Sy’s film, Adama — the young man — is relatively powerless, no matter that the village elders insist on investing him as chief. It’s Banel (a remarkable performance by Khady Mane) whose refusal to relax her demands of her lover that causes such turbulence. Richly textured, the arresting imagery carries the emotional force of the story, which builds inexorably to a powerful climax.
A powerful love story with a bruised heart.
Philip de Semlyen, Time Out
A striking debut that puts Sy on the map… Banel isn’t so much an unreliable narrator as she is the star of a fever dream where symbolism and reality meld.
Sophie Monks Kaufman, Indiewire
Ramata-Toulaye Sy
Khady Mane, Mamadou Diallo
Senegal/Mali/France
2023
In Pulaar and French with English subtitles
Book Tickets
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits
Screenwriter
Ramata-Toulaye Sy
Cinematography
Amine Berrada
Editor
Vincent Tricon
Original Music
Bachar Mar-Khalifé
Also Playing
The Other
Filmed from 2017-2024, including post October 7 and during the subsequent war, Joy Sela's documentary is an inspiring testament to how human beings -- even in the worst circumstances -- can transcend difference to forge connection and understanding.
The Heiress
Olivia de Havilland won the Oscar for playing Catherine, a shy and insecure young woman who blossoms under the courtship of handsome gentleman caller Morris (Montgomery Clift). Her wealthy father, Ralph Richardson, looks on with severe skepticism.
The Ballad of Wallis Island
An odd couple comedy laced with lovely songs this is one of those little gems that don't come around very often. Charles wants to reunite his favourite band, and after winning the lottery he has the means to do it, whether they're ready or not.