I know that we have all heard that “history repeats itself”. It has almost become a clique but there is heavy amount of truth in that statement. I recently did a film course on African films which required us to watch films from the 1960s. After watching the films we were required to have a scholarly appreciation of the films; I confess I did not enjoy this part. What I did enjoy was finding two brilliant films who’s message I found eternal and I share them with you in the hopes that their truth and spirit may perhaps resonate with you too. 

‘Le Noire de…’(The Black Girl) is a 1966 haunting and emotive movie that centres on Diouana, a Senegalese woman who moves to France to work for a French couple. Her enthusiasm and excitement is quickly replaced by disillusionment as she goes without pay and is continuously isolated as the narrative progresses. Diouana’s story does not have a beautiful ending and is the result of a woman who has been stripped of various parts of herself. The film was directed by Ousman Sembene, considered the founding father of African cinema. ‘Le Noire de…’ is in adaptation of Sembene’s short story. 

Though coming from a French colony, Diouana cannot communicate in French. In one scene, she receives a letter from her mother and her employers reads it and offers to reply it on her behalf.

Diouana also becomes a centre of fascination in France when in one scene a party guest kisses her because he had never kissed a black woman.

Some of the themes that the film touches on are racism, self-determination and identity. Diouana’s mental state has been a central focus for many scholars who have had a look at the film.

Another stand out film was ‘Soleil O’ written and directed by Med Hondo. Hondo hails from Mauritania and found himself in France working various jobs before he turned his hand to filmmaking. The 1970 ‘Soleil O’ centres on the experience of an African man who moves to France in the hopes of securing employment. The unnamed protagonist boldly calls France ‘home’ when he arrives showing the power colonial master have over their colonised nations. As the movie progresses, the central character is faced with suspicion, micro aggression and racism as he tries to establish himself in France. He and other immigrants are required to assimilate to French society while forgoing their heritage.