Dahomey

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Dahomey

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1h 8m

Documentary

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57 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

From acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics), DAHOMEY is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution. Set in November 2021, the documentary charts 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey that are due to leave Paris and return to their country of origin: the present-day Republic of Benin. Using multiple perspectives Diop questions how these artifacts should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence. Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize at the 2024 Berlinale, DAHOMEY is an affecting though altogether singular conversation piece that is as spellbinding as it is essential.

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Critics Consensus

With a rigorous yet fantastical approach, Mati Diop's Dahomey provocatively uncovers the restitution and repatriation of a stolen legacy, and serves as a powerful statement for decolonization.

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Zachary Barnes

Wall Street Journal

At a time when many documentaries stretch into episode after episode, there’s something refreshing about one that doesn’t aspire to be all-encompassing... Dahomey is at once haunting and humble.

Oct 30, 2024

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David Fear

Rolling Stone

Easily one of the best and most modestly brilliant piece of nonfiction filmmaking you’ll see this year.

Oct 30, 2024

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Alissa Wilkinson

New York Times

... The film takes on a dreamy quality that puts the immediate debates in cultural and temporal perspective.

Oct 29, 2024

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Liam Lacey

Original Cin

Partly the imagined dream life of ghostly statues, partly a student forum the meanings of post-colonial restitution, Dahomey is less an argument than a creative conversation between the past and present.

Rated: A-

Oct 30, 2024

Full Review

Pablo O. Scholz

Clarín

With her camera, Diop does not judge but rather accompanies and observes. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/4

Oct 29, 2024

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

The original approach is fascinating, cutting through the noise to tackle a thorny issue with personal insight.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 29, 2024

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Catherine Imogen W

OK, it was very interesting and we saw the responses of people in Benin to the return of 26 artefacts from France, clearly this was regarded as plundered heritage. Not for art historians. You see few of the artefacts. The anger was palpable. But then again - we saw how carefully 26 pieces had to be wrapped and packaged. Would those who demanded the immediate return of 7000 pieces have been satisfied if they had arrived smashed up en route? I often feel with my own government, when it takes a step in the right direction and people complain - this is not enough! Why not say, well, this is an improvement but we need more, instead of berating the French and their own government?

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/27/24

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Mati Diop

Director

Mati Diop

Writer

Eve Robin

Producer

Judith Lou Lévy

Producer

Mati Diop

Producer

Josephine Drouin Viallard

Cinematographer

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Dahomey: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

From acclaimed filmmaker Mati Diop (Atlantics), DAHOMEY is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution. Set in November 2021, the documentary charts 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey that are due to leave Paris and return to their country of origin: the present-day Republic of Benin. Using multiple perspectives Diop questions how these artifacts should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence. Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize at the 2024 Berlinale, DAHOMEY is an affecting though altogether singular conversation piece that is as spellbinding as it is essential.

Director: Mati Diop
Producer: Eve Robin, Judith Lou Lévy, Mati Diop
Screenwriter: Mati Diop, Mati Diop
Distributor: MUBI
Production Co: Les Films du Bal
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: French
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 25, 2024, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $21.9K
Runtime: 1h 8m