Yeelen
dir. Souleymane Cissé · 1987
Feature
Cultural Dislocation
Mood
Contemplative
Look
vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a blend of natural landscapes with mystical elements
Structure
linear journey interspersed with flashbacks and cultural storytelling
Plot
A young man with magical powers journeys to his uncle to request help in fighting his sorcerer father.
Why watch
A young man named Nianankoro embarks on a quest to seek help from his uncle in order to confront his sorcerer father. As he traverses the landscapes of Mali, the film immerses viewers in a world where magic intertwines with reality, revealing the complexities of familial bonds and cultural heritage.
Cultural context
Malian folklorepost-colonial identityfamily dynamicsand the significance of oral traditions