Mati Diop's 'Dahomey' Documentary Highlights Return of African Treasures

The film, premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, explores the restitution of 26 royal treasures to Benin, offering a fresh perspective on colonial history.

• Mati Diop's documentary 'Dahomey' focuses on the return of 26 royal treasures from France to Benin, shedding light on colonial history.
• The film employs a unique narrative technique, allowing the artifacts themselves to speak, providing a personal touch to the historical narrative.
• Students' debates at the University of Abomey-Calavi highlight ongoing concerns about cultural heritage and identity in post-colonial Africa.
• The documentary's soundtrack, composed by Wally Badarou and Dean Blunt, adds a haunting dimension to the story of the artifacts' return.
• Diop's work continues her exploration of post-colonial themes, emphasizing the importance of returning cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.

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