Movie Review: Africans fight for global justice in “Bamako”

by guest contributor Adina Ba

It’s not everyday that Westerners are shown images of Africa beyond the stereotype. It’s not everyday that African filmmakers reach out to an international audience with a modern debate of large-scale African problems. In his fourth feature, Abderrahmane Sissako has created a two hour film that brings the African problem to global levels looking for global solutions.

The film takes place in Bamako, the capital of Mali, where an African court puts the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on trial. Sissako places the trial not in a customary courthouse, but in a lively neighborhood square. The powerful character in this film is not of European descent, but a Malian head judge. This judge gives patience to all that occurs around him, whether it be an official witness, a European representative of the IMF, or one of the many lively neighborhood characters.

The camera often takes a break from the deep debate to lazily observe the neighborhood side scenes. Sissako takes the time to share the cultural richness of West African life. He shows culture as something completely integrated with everyday life.

These artistic moments give clarity to the inhumane accusations of the witnesses. African debt is the main target under scrutiny, as well as its affect on privatization of public services including education, healthcare, and transportation. Refreshingly, this film does not leave the viewer with the usual feeling of pity of African life, but rather an empowerment of knowledge that can be continually debated and hopefully bring international action. Danny Glover has a cameo appearance. Learn more about his work with UNICEF at www.unicef.org.

Look out for a couple random side shows in the film that are not very well defined but do have good moral lessons.

“Bamako” should be congratulated as being a good sample of African cinema for a universal audience. Having said that, let’s hope there are many more to come. If you would like a chance to see this film, please contact your local independent theatre and let them know. “Bamako” is the Official Selection, Cannes Film Festival, 2006.