Yeelen (1987)

2K RESTORATION — Australian Premiere

“A masterwork of metaphysical realism.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker

“An epic, spellbinding myth brought to life by one of Africa’s greatest filmmakers” - Farah Cheded

Souleymane Cissé’s extraordinary winner of the Cannes Jury Prize is regarded as one of greatest achievements of African cinema. Set in Mali in the 13th Century, it uses the Bambara people’s magic realist belief in time as circular – not linear – always returning to the yeelen (the brightness) that created the world. Based on an ancient oral legend, a sorcerer must escape his jealous shaman father, who fears the magical powers of his son. Travelling across the Mali landscape in search of spiritual enlightenment, he studies the mysteries of the gods; encounters a hyena that tells him he will end a curse; uses a swarm of bees to defeat a local tribe while helping a King to make his wife pregnant; and is constantly searching for his uncle to assist him in defeating his pursuing and vengeful father. The musical score – synthesizers and traditional percussion – comes from celebrated Mali musician Salif Keita and French jazz instrumentalist Michel Portal. 2K restoration.

Introduced by Bruce Koussaba at Ritz Cinemas and Geoff Gardner at Lido Cinemas.

“It’s a sign of true genius that a director can summon the rise, fall and subsequent rebirth of the cosmos with such a profound understanding and respect for the shape of things.” – Ed Gonzalez 

“‘The most beautifully photographed African film ever’…African cinema has all-to-rarely attempted anything as ambitious since.” – David Parkinson, Empire Magazine 

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

105 min

Language

Bambara and Fula (English subtitles)

Cast

Issiaka Kane, Aoua Sangare, Niamanto Sanogo

Director

Souleymane Cissé