The Films of Ousmane Sembène: Discourse, Politics, and Culture By ...

Sembène’s films offer non-Africans a rich window into another world. They offer Africans an opportunity to reflect on what they take for granted in their day-to-day lives.¹¹ One of the reasons I have long been fascinated by Sembène is his unwavering courage to tackle difficult and controversial subjects head on and in ways that leave audiences contemplative and intellectually stimulated. Examples of the controversial themes he has brought into sharp relief in his films include a critical re-reading of Senegalese and African history, contested perceptions of what constitutes indigenous versus foreign political and economic interests, and the ever-changing terrain of religious plurality on the African continent. His films problematize male dominance, gerontocratic rule, polygamous marriage, socioeconomic disparity, and long-honored cultural practices such as female circumcision. Though Sembène was distressed by cultural alienation and implacable in his opposition to abuses of the postcolonial bourgeoisie, he compassionately paid tribute to what he called “the daily heroism of African women.” He tempered his idealism with realism, urging Africans to embrace the inescapable forces of globalization while also preserving fundamentally African social values. Sembène’s films are culturally rich and intellectually thought-provoking, and though he sometimes sparked controversy, he represented African cultures in inspirational and often prophetic ways.

Although Sembène’s central aim was to reach African audiences and encourage a dialogue within Senegalese society, his films are also extraordinarily effective in introducing non-African audiences to many of the most intriguing cultural issues and social changes facing African people today. The films are not fast-paced in the manner of many Hollywood films. Rather, they are deliberately unhurried and driven by the narrative. They show actual ways of life, social relations, and patterns of communication and consumption, as well as the joys and tribulations of West African people. For people who have never been to Africa, the films offer an accessible first gaze. For those who have visited or lived in an African culture, the films provide a way to explore African society and culture more profoundly.