photo courtesy of the French Institute

New York heads, get thee to the French Institute World Nomads series presents an homage to Senegalese filmmaker and author Ousmane Sembene (pictured above) whose films have been the model for African cinema since the early 60′s. Always examining the effects of racism and colonialism on contemporary African society, Sembene’s films and novels were a wake-up call to former colonial powers, particularly France. Tonight’s homage includes a screening of Sembene’s first film Borom Sarett (1963) which features a new original sound score by DJ Spooky, and readings by friends and former colleagues.

We recommend Sembene’s 1966 film Black Girl about a young Senegalese woman’s journey to France, where she is to work as a nanny. Expecting to continue living the cosmopolitan life she led back home, Diouana is surprised by the harsh treatment she receives at the hands of Madame and Monsieur, her white employers. In France she is reduced to indentured servant and paraded as an “authentic” African.