Jollof Films Presents: Faat Kiné

Director: Ousmane Sembène

2001 / 120min / Digital

Painter and repeat Sembène collaborator Younousse Sèye plays the title role in this endearing and often very funny study of a woman holding her own in patriarchal Senegalese society. A single mother and successful small business owner, Faat Kiné has every reason to be content with her lot, but her two recently graduated children are adamant in their insistence she remarry, and so our heroine must contend with a parade of unworthy suitors clamoring to relieve her of her precious independence.

“We chose Faat Kiné because the film reflects our generation more than Sembène’s previous work. Faat Kiné shows what Senegal looked like in the early 2000s through its vibrant color and comedic tone. Sembène celebrates modern African women’s economic independence while criticizing patriarchal hypocrisy and religious conservatism. The film sparks interesting discussion, and we believe our audience will have deeper thoughts about Sembène’s intentions in making this film.” —Assane Sy and Ahmad Cissé, Jollof Films

Distributor: California Newsreel

Post-screening discussion with Jollof Films on Sunday, September 27th