Dahomey

This screening will have a short 5-minute introduction and will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A/post-film discussion with Sara Angel Guerrero-Mostafa, Head of Learning & Civic Partnerships at V&A Dundee. Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize at the 2024 Berlinale, Dahomey is an immersive and astounding work of art from Mati Diop – director of the award-winning Atlantics. Delving into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution, this acclaimed documentary is a poetic look at a seldom-discussed history. Taking place in November 2021, the film takes as its subject 26 royal treasures of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which, along with thousands of others, were plundered by French colonial troops in 1892. As these artifacts are due to leave Paris to return to their country of origin: the present-day Republic of Benin, Diop questions how they should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence, using ethereal voiceover and footage of debating students at the University of Abomey-Calavi to offer multiple perspectives. By turns invigorating and thought-provoking, Diop’s latest uses compelling non-traditional storytelling techniques to powerfully bring the past into the present, offering an affecting though altogether singular conversation piece that is as spellbinding as it is essential. Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.DocumentaryPT1H8MPG

Lucrèce Hougbelo

Parfait Vaiayinon

Didier Sedoha Nassangade

Mati Diop

Judith Lou Lévy

Eve Robin

Dahomey"Dahomey"

Showtimes

July 23, 6:00 pm