Sisters in Law

Kim Longinotto, Florence Ayisi

Multiple award-winning feelgood documentary about two female lawyers in the village of Kumba in Cameroon who make a daily courtroom statement that human rights should not be taken for granted.

In Kumba, time seems to have come to a standstill. Women are the inalienable possession of their husband, daughters are traded for a small amount of money and a pig. Domestic violence is widespread, yet divorces remain rare. It is under these difficult circumstances that female magistrates Bam en Ngassa have to render justice. Both ladies possess enough personality, force of character and humor to relieve the fate of the women of Kumba. Divorces are imposed, if necessary, and obstinate men are unambiguously given to understand that the 21st century has started. The sisters can also be merciless on indicted women, however, especially when it comes to child abuse.

British filmmaker Kim Longinotto (London, 1952) strongly feels it is her duty to denounce injustice, treating controversial topics with sensitivity and empathy. Her films show ordinary women engaged in extraordinary efforts to put an end to sex stereotyping.

Credits

Director
Kim Longinotto, Florence Ayisi
Year
2005
Country of production
United Kingdom, Cameroon
Type
Documentary
Duration
104 minutes
Spoken language
English, Hausa, Pidgin
Subtitles
NL | EN
Production company
Vixen Films
World Sales
IDFA Bertha Fund
Dutch distributor
Cinema Delicatessen