Rent Moolaadé (2004)

Stunningly good film! - Moolaadé review by TE

The medium of film does not get any better than this. 'Moolaade' is a triumphant cocktail of passion, righteous anger and progressive social commitment.

The director, Ousmane Sembene, deserves all the recognition he has garnered. 'Moolaade' is typical of his films: a great story with political significance is told with a mind-boggling flair for visual poetry, and with moments of humour as well.

Sembene takes on the controversial issue of female genital mutilation, as still practised in the more rural and superstitious areas of many Islamic nations, in this case, Burkina Faso. The powerful male elite within the community try to suppress modern ideas, symbolised by radios and televisions, and the bravery shown by the central female character, Colle, is deeply moving.

The disc extras are also well worth watching for an understanding of what an important figure Sembene is within the history of cinema.

exhilerating music, scenery, detailed imagery of a way of life and a brilliantly brave rebell - Moolaadé review by CP Customer

This is a moving, disturbing and visually stunning film. The subject matter of female circumcision is brought home sensitively, the little girls running away from the ceremony to find protection from Coll is a little shock after becoming immersed in the beautiful filming, the landscape, clothes culure and the magnificent Mosque, The cast are convincing, beautiful music all the way through and the ending surprising .The interview with the director if nearly as uplifting as the film, as he descibes his search for location, how he organised the actors and children and shot the film without a hefty budget and in difficult climatic conditions, but mostly his efforts to take the film round villges in Africa to increase awareness about thee subject matter. A must, must see film!