Dahomey Film Review
Who owns arts and culture? This is a question that is given much consideration in the film, “Dahomey.” At just over an hour long, this is a poetic look at the past, the plundering, and pure colonisation.
French-Senegalese filmmaker, Mati Diop (“Atlantics”) gives viewers quite a multifaceted and artful viewing in her latest film, “Dahomey,” named after a former kingdom in West Africa that is now known as the Republic of Benin. Diop’s meditation on art makes viewers see how important it can be in describing the identity of its people and what happens when both are missing through no fault of their own.
The scene is November 2021. A museum in France is packing up 26 precious artefacts to return to its origins in Benin. This is with the French PM’s blessing. As one correspondent later notes in the film, this is quite a political act. For the first part this film really is a behind-the-scenes look at a night at the museum.
Diop opens things by blending the natural packing process with some supernatural elements. A voiceover and synth soundtrack tell the story from the artefact’s perspective, how it was stolen and held captive for hundreds of years. It’s an interesting parallel to some of the individuals who were also caught up by various colonial forces.
The second half of the film shows the treasures restored to their rightful home. Dignitaries and museum visitors view the objects. Some individuals – mainly students – share discourse on the greater implications of this whole act and there are very different sentiments felt by the people. For instance, some are mad as the 26 artefacts only represent a tiny fraction of what should be returned.
There is no denying that “Dahomey” is quite an original doco. It gives a neglected topic a platform and in doing so, has greater implications for other objects that have been appropriated and stolen over the years. The film was the winner of the Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlinale, and is something that makes viewers pause and really contemplate history, the full history.
About the Author
Natalie Salvo Natalie is a Sydney-based writer and lover of all things music, food, photography comedy, art, theatre. You can find her digging in crates at good record stores.
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