It’s been several years since filmmaker Mati Diop released her acclaimed feature directorial debut, “Atlantics,” which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. We are finally ready for the release of her sophomore outing, “Dahomey.”
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As seen in the trailer, “Dahomey” sees Mati Diop return to her documentary roots for a film that examines the effects of colonialism and appropriation. The film chronicles the return of 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey from Paris back to their original points of origin in what is now the Republic of Benin.
The film debuted earlier this year at the Berlin Film Festival, where it took home the coveted Golden Bear award. It’ll continue to play festivals through the fall.
“Dahomey” is said to arrive in select theaters on October 25. You can watch the trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
From acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics), DAHOMEY is a poetic and immersive documentary that delves into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution. Set in November 2021, the film charts 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey that are due to leave Paris and return to their country of origin: the present-day Republic of Benin. Using multiple perspectives Diop questions how these artifacts should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence. Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize at the 2024 Berlinale, DAHOMEY is an affecting though altogether singular conversation piece that is as spellbinding as it is essential.
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