Written and directed by Mati Diop, co-written by Malkenzy Orcel, the journey of 26 plundered royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey exhibited in Paris, now being returned to Benin. Diop artistically voices a new generation’s demands. Featuring: Gildas Adannou, Habib Ahandessi, Joséa Guedjea and Imelda Batamoussi.
You’re immediately hit with a strong atmosphere and a lot of style as you enter Dahomey, Mati Diop makes it known she’s going for something bold and different with this documentary. It’s a very charismatic way to introduce the topic by making you feel as if the objects have come to life, to give them their own voice.
Interestingly, while the foundation and heart of this film is inherently political and cultural, the choices that Diop makes also add in an edge that has a horror and supernatural influence. It’s a beguiling use of genre to open up this debate.
Another facet of that is how loose it makes the structure, Diop takes a big step back and lets events unfold in their own time. It’s an unusual mix to have that very hands on narration but also taking a sincerely observational perspective. As well as moving between a poetic tone and the town hall debate of the local residents, matching that artistic flow with a matter of fact, everyday realism, while simultaneously capturing the extensive roots of the issue.
However, it feels as though there was more room to roam, this is a complicated subject and trying to do it justice while injecting a lot of style, coming in at under seventy minutes, was reaching a bit too far. It’s one of the rare occasions where a film would benefit from being longer. Especially delving into the idea of what this victory means versus the amount of work left to be done.
Dahomey has a sleek, clever and innovative style, but it cuts itself short and can be a little unsatisfying. Mati Diop makes a lot of interesting choices to approach this subject in a thoughtful, respect but creative manner. Opening it up to a poetic, artistic tone that reflects the far-reaching consequences and extensive heritage of the topic.
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