Cinema Release: Dahomey

Dahomey is a unique documentary about giving back to cultural heritage, decolonisation and traditions. In the film, poetry, politics and aesthetics go hand in hand, offering a surprising take on these topical issues. Dahomey won the Golden Bear (Best Film) at the Berlin Film Festival.

In the 19th century, hundreds of historical and cultural artefacts from the West African kingdom of Dahomey were looted by French colonial troops. In November 2021, 26 of those treasures are about to leave Paris and return to their country of origin, the current Republic of Benin. But how should you relate to your ancestors’ treasures, in a country that has changed so much during their absence? The students of Benin enter the conversation and try to give the past a place in the present.