Faat Kiné

Faat Kiné is a fascinating mixture of drama, humor, and sociology. This is one of the first African films I have seen where all the characters are African--no colonial arrogance or benevolence intrudes into the story. (Granted, the fact that everyone in this African nation communicates in French automatically brings the colonial power into the story, but none of the characters is French.) Sembene is a master, and he manages to develop a masterpiece with what is obviously a low budget and a mostly amateur cast. There is a confrontational scene near the end of the film that is somewhat formulaic. Other than that, I have nothing but praise for this picture and its director.