AFI FEST 2024: DAHOMEY BRINGS HISTORY BACK WHERE IT BELONGS

On November 9, 2020, 126 Royal treasures from the kingdom of the Jaime were scheduled to leave Paris and returned to their land of origin, the present day Republic of Benin These are effects that were among thousands looted by French colonial troops during the invasion of 1892.  While 1892 is significant in America marking the Gilded Age and  pivotal moments in our labor history including the founding of the American Federation of Labor, for France, it marks the year effects were among thousands looted by French colonial troops. For the people of Benin, this restorial celebrates 130 years of captivity  coming to an end. Only 26 of the 7000 plundered artifacts made the cut

Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize earlier this year at the 2024 Berinale Film Festival, director Mati Diop unapologetically questions how these artifacts should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence.

Diop’s unconventional, avant-garde storytelling powerfully brings the past to the present using ethereal voiceover and footage of debating students at the University of Abomey-Calavi to offer multiple perspectives from multiple generations, some of whom were not not alive during the time in question.

No talking heads disseminating the history, coupled with intentional silence and mystical, ethereal voices given to pieces lingering in complete darkness are a reminder that cultural heritage is comprised of material and immaterial heritage. A material heritage that resides in other countries outside of Benin.

Dahomey couldn’t be more timely globally as people of color are being challenged on a historical and political level. Most of society was not even aware of the Dahomey tribe history until the release of the feature film The Woman King starring Viola Davis. A history burdened with controversy and now designed to keep humans of certain sectors ignorant from accepting accountability of their disrespectful actions.  A history mirrored in America where certain cultures commandeered land that was never theirs to claim in the first place. A history where thousands were uprooted, stripped of their name, given a number and coupled with the longing to return home amidst heads that sailed by the rattle of chains.  A history in which their culture in not learned in their native language within the educational system of Benin.

As the rolling shores of a wounded beach roll vigorously creeping in and out onscreen, Diop reminds audiences that 26 of the 7000 artifacts returned will eternally struggle with the fear of being torn of not being recognized by anyone and not recognizing anything – even a rich history steeped in tradition, love and respect.