Watch Mandabi

Mandabi is a classic African film directed by the Senegalese director, Ousmane Sembene. The movie paints a vivid picture of the post-independence struggles that West African countries had to face in the 1960s. The movie is set in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, and follows the story of an illiterate man named Ibrahim, who receives a money order from his nephew in Paris.

The protagonist, played by Makhouredia Gueye, is excited to receive the money and thinks it will solve all his problems. As the news of the money order spreads through the neighbourhood, everyone begins to take an interest in it. Ibrahim's neighbours offer to help him cash the money order, and he agrees to pay them a small commission.

However, Ibrahim discovers that cashing the money order is not as straightforward as he thought it would be. He needs to have a national identity card, a bank account, and other documents that he doesn't have. The process of acquiring these documents is long and complicated, and as a result, Ibrahim's troubles begin.

As he navigates the bureaucracy of the system, Ibrahim begins to realise the harsh reality of post-colonial Africa. The officials at the post office, the bank and the government offices are all corrupt, demanding bribes for every little service. In the end, Ibrahim spends all the money he receives from his nephew trying to get the money order cashed, leaving him in even more desperate straits.

The movie is deeply symbolic, as it reflects the wider societal issues that plagued Africa at the time. It shows how post-independence governments were ineffective, and corruption was rampant. The movie also highlights the poverty and illiteracy that made it difficult for people like Ibrahim to understand and navigate the complex procedures involved in receiving an international money order.

The film's brilliance lies in its ability to use humour to highlight the plight of Africans. Ibrahim's character is likable and relatable, and the audience sympathises with his struggles. The movie also presents a realistic portrayal of African society, complete with colourful characters, customs, and idiosyncrasies.

Mandabi is a significant movie in the history of African film-making as it was one of the first to represent the complexities of African society in a nuanced way. The movie also broke boundaries, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes that were prevalent in African cinema at the time.

The film was shot in Wolof, an indigenous Senegalese language. The decision to use Wolof instead of French, which was the language spoken by the colonial powers, was another example of the movie's radical approach to storytelling.

In conclusion, Mandabi is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in African film-making and cultural studies. It is a powerful commentary on the challenges and struggles of post-independence Africa, told through the eyes of a simple and relatable character. The movie is also an excellent example of how African filmmakers challenged dominant narratives and stereotypes and created a more nuanced representation of African society.