Delwende (2005)

Delwende draws on a true story of a mother and daughter who are accused of witchcraft following the death of a boy who had meningitis. Despite the knowledge that there is an epidemic of ... See full summary »

Director:

S. Pierre Yameogo

Writer:

S. Pierre Yameogo

Stars:

Blandine Yaméogo, Claire Ilboudo, Célestin Zongo

2 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Blandine Yaméogo	...	Napoko
Claire Ilboudo	...	Pougbila
Célestin Zongo	...	Diahrra
Abdoulaye Komboudri	...	Nonceur
Daniel Kabore	...	Bancé, l'ancien
Jules Taonssa	...	Raogo, le devin
Thomas Ngourma	...	Elie, le fou
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sanfo Ablasse	...	Dancer / Musician
Essofa Akakora
Francois Binguoure
Zounprana Boukare	...	Dancer / Musician
Douamba Claver
Celine Combari
Adjara Combassere
Issaka Combassere

Storyline

Delwende draws on a true story of a mother and daughter who are accused of witchcraft following the death of a boy who had meningitis. Despite the knowledge that there is an epidemic of meningitis throughout rural areas of Burkina Faso, Napoko Diarrha is accused of eating the boy's soul. The rumor of her witchcraft is disseminated by her husband, who is angry with her because she disagreed with the idea of marrying their daughter off. Fearing for her life, Napoko flees to a nearby town before her trial can take place. Just as Napoko is losing hope, her daughter Pougbila meets her in the neighboring town and they attempt to escape the traditional and male-dominated society.

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Plot Keywords:

witchcraft | tragedy | 

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Genres:

Drama

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User Reviews

African Social Realism

This is another fine film from Burkina Faso that deals with the conflict between tradition and modernity and while not deprecating either, shows the need for social change from within society without following Western models of change. Much of the film, according to the director, is actually real footage and the characters are very real. That adds something to it. Especially the visit to the witches' asylum, all of that was real, and heartbreaking. The village scenes and the conflicts early in the movie show that traditional cultures have their positive aspects as well as their negative, and prevent romantic notions of tradition, while the scenes depicting urban disaffection in Ouagadougou show the continuing relevance of the traditional in providing safety and belonging in society.

Details

Country:

Switzerland France Burkina Faso

Language:

More French

Release Date:

8 October 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Delwende, lève-toi et marche

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dunia Productions, Les Films de l'Espoir, Thelma Film AG

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 90 min

Sound Mix:

DTS

Color:

Color