Dahomey

The screening on Monday 28 October at 8pm will be followed by a discussion about the film’s themes of repatriation and the decolonisation of European museums. Hosted by Giovanna Vitelli, head of Collections and Curatorial at The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, with Dr Christa Roodt, Senior Lecturer in the School of Culture and Creative Arts, University of Glasgow and Andreas Giorgallis, Postgraduate research student in Restitution of Sacred Colonial Cultural Objects. Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize at the 2024 Berlinale, Dahomey is an immersive and astounding work of art from Mati Diop – director of the award-winning Atlantics. Delving into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution, this acclaimed documentary is a poetic look at a seldom-discussed history. Taking place in November 2021, the film takes as its subject 26 royal treasures of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which, along with thousands of others, were plundered by French colonial troops in 1892. As these artifacts are due to leave Paris to return to their country of origin: the present-day Republic of Benin, Diop questions how they should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence, using ethereal voiceover and footage of debating students at the University of Abomey-Calavi to offer multiple perspectives. By turns invigorating and thought-provoking, Diop’s latest uses compelling non-traditional storytelling techniques to powerfully bring the past into the present, offering an affecting though altogether singular conversation piece that is as spellbinding as it is essential. English, French and Fon with English subtitles. ----- Year of Celebration Film - Donate £50 at checkout 2024 marks 85 years since our cinema (originally the Cosmo) was built, 50 years since GFT was founded and the 20th edition of Glasgow Film Festival. Whilst our box office and bar sales only cover around 50% of our annual costs and help keep the film reels rolling, we rely on donations and fundraising to run our education and community activities. We need your help! Celebrate 50 years of GFT by donating £50 at checkout. A £50 donation also secures your seat at our special January screening. Find out more or donate HERE. Your contribution matters.Dahomey showing at: October 29, 2:10 pm

Dahomey

Location: Glasgow Film TheatreBox Office opens 30 minutes before first screening, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow,, G3 6RB9

2024-10-29T14:10:00+00:00PT1H8M2024-10-29T15:38:00+00:0060

Gildas Adannou

Habib Ahandessi

Joséa Guedje

Mati Diop

Dahomey"