Set in Dakar, Mandabi tells the story of Ibrahima (Makhouredia Gueye) and the transformative effect that a 25,000 franc money order from his nephew in Paris has on his fortunes. Word quickly travels about his new found wealth, while a thousand bureaucratic obstacles stand in the path between him and his money.

Ibrahim, preening and scheming, laying bets he has no means to collect, is a superb character study but Mandabi is also a sprightly, stiletto-sharp satire on post-independence African nations and the shadow cast by colonialism. Winner of the Grand Jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, Sembène’s adaptation of his own novella set a new course for African cinema: radical, anti-colonial and proudly independent in its methods, and fulfilled Sembène’s dream “to restore Africa’s stories to Africans.”

“Sembène’s best, most complete film” - David Jenkins, Little White Lies

The 3pm screening on Sat 12 June will be followed by a pre-recorded Q&A featuring African cinema expert Dr Aboubakar Sanogo, Africa in Motion Festival Director Liz Chege and expert in Africa’s financial challenges, Ivan Mbowa. This Q&A puts Sembéne’s film in the context of the day and why it is still so relevant today.

_{We're delighted to swing open the cinema door once more. You might like to read more about the measures we're taking to reduce the risk from COVID-19, including our allocated seating. Find out more here. If you have any questions, we've got a new range of FAQs here, and you can email us on qftmanager@qub.ac.uk.}