AWB Cinema Evening: Dahomey Documentary

As part of the AWB Movie Night program, the screening of the documentary Dahomey, directed by Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop, was organized. The film, which places at the center of its story the process of restitution in Benin of historical objects and fetishes taken by France, offers a striking perspective on the legacy of colonialism, on the quest for justice and on the issues linked to memory and cultural identity. The documentary powerfully addresses the power dynamics inherited from the colonial period and shows how the restitution of works becomes a symbolic act of recognition and reparation. During the screening, key points were highlighted regarding the linguistic diversity of the African continent and the impact of administrative structures centered on foreign languages, imposed during the colonial era. It was recalled that the recourse to languages ​​such as French to ensure communication in many African countries has profoundly affected cultural transmission, the perception of identity and the place of local languages ​​within African societies. These aspects provoked in-depth reflection on the part of the participants. After the screening, a rich exchange was held with the audience in order to analyze the themes addressed in the film and discuss them collectively. The conversations focused on the historical, cultural and social issues raised by the documentary, allowing its content to be linked to contemporary issues on the continent. The activity ended as a particularly enriching program, promoting cultural awareness and providing a space for in-depth discussion on African heritage and legacies of the past.