Ceddo (1977)

In protest of forced conversion to Islam, the Ceddo (outsiders) kidnap King Demba War's daughter Princess Dior Yacine and hold her hostage.

Director:

Ousmane Sembene

Writer:

Ousmane Sembene

Stars:

Tabata Ndiaye, Alioune Fall, Moustapha Yade

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tabata Ndiaye	...	Princess Dior Yacine (as Tabara Ndiaye)
Alioune Fall	...	Fall the Seed of the Dynasty
Moustapha Yade	...	Madior Fatim Fall
Matoura Dia	...	The King
Ismaila Diagne	...	The Ceddo Kidnapper (as Mamadou N'Diaye Diagne)
Ousmane Camara	...	Fara Diogomay the Elder Ceddo / Ousmane
Nar Modou	...	Mugis / Saxewar the Warrior
Makhouredia Gueye	...	King Demba War Thioub
Mamadou Dioumé	...	Prince Biram Ngone Thioub (as Mamadou Dioum)
Omar Gueye	...	Jaraaf the King's Mediator (as Oumar Gueye)
Mamadou Sy
Mody Gueye
Samba Touré
Serigne N'Diaye
Pierre Orma	...	The Priest

Storyline

The Ceddo try to preserve their traditional African culture against the onslaught of Islam, Christianity, and the slave trade. When King Demba War sides with the Muslims, the Ceddo kidnap his daughter, Princess Dior Yacine, to protest their forcible conversion to Islam. After trying to rescue the princess, various heirs to the throne are killed, and the King is murdered during the night. Eventually the kidnappers are killed and the princess is brought back to the village to confront the Imam, as all the villagers are being given Muslim names.

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Plot Keywords:

violence | ambush | pagan | paganism | religion | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Banned by the Senegalese government for several years, likely for the unflattering portrayal of Islam. The official reason given was that the title was incorrectly spelled in a European fashion.

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Goofs

The action sets at the end of seventeenth century but the umbrella over the imam, when he is on the throne, is clearly contemporary.

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Connections

Referenced in L'envers du décor (1980)

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Soundtracks

Choir
(in Diola language)
Interpreted by Chorale Saint Joseph de Cluny - Dakar
Conducted by Julien Juga

User Reviews

Not Slow for the Vulnerable Observer

Ceddo is one of the first films to come out of Africa (it was promptly banned in Senegal). It contains both subtle and not-so-subtle political messages in the conversations of characters fighting to keep their traditional way of life. The film holds a wealth of information that the casual eye might not catch. Linguists and other language buffs will enjoy the form and styles of speech (no one speaks directly to those of higher class, a major form of communicating ideas is to use metaphorical sayings, etc.). Those fascinated by culture will notice the myriad customs that might go unnoticed to other viewers. It is a film of revolt! Highly recomended.

Details

Country:

Senegal France

Language:

Wolof Arabic English Dyula

Release Date:

1984 (Senegal)

Also Known As:

Outsiders

Filming Locations:

Ndang, Thiès, Senegal

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmi Domirev, Ministère de la Coopération

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)