Ousmane Sembène, otherwise known as the father of African cinema, is one of the key figures of world cinema, and yet his works—still relevant today—remain unknown to many. 

Through this programme we will explore his work through the new and highly acclaimed documentary Sembène!, capturing the life of this prolific filmmaker. This will be screened alongside three of Sembène’s films explored in the documentary: Xala, Moolaadé and Black Girl, each of which was in itself a key and groundbreaking work of world cinema. 

The programme is coordinated by Aya Distribution with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from The National Lottery.

Colle Gallo Ardo Sy, a circumcised woman, has managed to help her only daughter escape from the ritual of ‘purification’ organised every seven years. Now that the next ritual is about to happen, four young girls have fled from the village to escape from excision. Moolaadé is a moving, embracing and life-affirming film with the power to change long-held attitudes, a film regarded as Sembène’s masterpiece, made when he was already 81 years old.

35mm screening.