Dahomey

During the colonial period, the Kingdom of Dahomey (now present-day Benin) was plundered for valuable items. Now, 26 royal treasures are to be returned. But since the colonial era, Benin has become independent and reinvented itself as a nation. In the items they do not always recognize themselves. How do you welcome what was stolen long ago?

“Atlantics” director Mati Diop’s award-winning documentary DAHOMEY depicts a new, young generation’s perspective on the colonial legacy and lets the objects themselves have a voice. Winner of the prestigious Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival.

“Mati Diop’s captivating, fabulistic documentary Dahomey confronts the reality of how modernity has been shaped by the West’s theft of cultural heritage.” ~Pat Brown, Slant Magazine

“Beautiful, melancholy and intellectually stimulating, Dahomey is a documentary that should be seen by all.” ~Jourdain Searles, RogerEbert.com