Virtual International Film Club: Yeelen

We will be discussing the following film:

Film title: Yeelen

Synopsis:

This adaptation of an ancient oral legend from Mali, is one the most acclaimed and widely seen African films ever made. An Oedipal story mixed with magic, Yeelen is as visually stunning as anything from Hollywood.

Set in the powerful Mali Empire of the 13th century, Yeelen follows the journey of Nianankoro, a young warrior who must battle the powerful Komo cult. Nianankoro’s greatest enemy is his own father, a dangerous and corrupt wizard who uses his dark magic to try and destroy his son. Traveling over the arid Bambara, Fulani and Dogan lands of ancient West Africa, Nianankoro eventually comes face to face with his father in a final fatal showdown. Cisse’s extraordinary use of landscapes and light produces a unique and striking cinematic style.

Yeelen was met with wide critical success and was awarded the Jury Prize at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Golden Palm award for the same year. It was nominated for Best International Film at the Film Independent Spirit Awards at the 4th annual Spirit Awards in 1989. It was ranked #94 in Empire magazine’s “The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema” in 2010.

Free and available online at Kanopy
https://princeton.kanopy.com/video/yeelen

(PUID required)

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/200607771