Al Djanat, Paradis originel

At the funeral of Ousmane Coulibaly, an influential dignitary of Mandingo Islam, the director and her family meet to discuss the division of his assets, which includes several houses, yards and fields. It is customary for everything to go to the eldest son, but the brothers want their share. Some want to sell everything, others want to preserve unity. The marabouts are summoned, but the case ends up in court, where a heritage lawsuit opposes the supporters of customary law and the defenders of official law, inherited from Western colonisation. The subject will be discussed on the radio and will become an affair of state: is it better to follow tradition, or trust the law?

Chloé Aïcha Boro goes beyond the documentary to produce a personal, philosophical and political work.

Andana Films / France / Grégory Bétend / gregory@andanafilms.com