World Lit. Survey
Prof. Benander
Film Review: Popenguine
Full of dancing, music, and colonizational struggles, Ca Twiste à Poponguine brings to light the real world events of this sea side village. Director Moussa Sene Absa strives to create a comical film that is centered around the Senegalese village, where the local teenagers are divided into rival cultural camps. Some have adopted the names of French pop stars including, Johnny Halliday, Sylvie Vartan, "Clo Clo" and Eddie Mitchell. While the Kings, on the other hand, style themselves after African American rhythm and blues legends, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and James Brown; they work as fishermen.
The story is told throught the memories of Bacc, he is a street smart lillte boy who is out to prove himself to the world. He has been abandoned by his parents and is therefore taken in by her grandmother. Throught the film, Bacc acts as a messenger between the two groups, he makes deals and sets the stage for the big parties that the teenagers attempt to throw during the christmas season.
This Film is full of music, incorporated is a mixture of both African traditions dumbs and folk, as well as American rock n' roll. Add to the cultural mix, director Absa has placed a French colonized school teacher Mr. Beniot in middle of the Popenguine town. Mr. Beniot proves to be the voice of reason and change within the town. Through his presence, viewers learn of the struggle that are encased in trying to colonize the Senegalese people.
I personally enjoyed this film, I found the experience of a new culture interesting. The elements of American music allowed for me to have a connection to this forgine film. I loved seeing the directors show the process by which French culture was encroching on the traditional views and thoughts. I recommend this film to all those who enjoy film with a rich history and forgien cultural background. In addition, viewers who enjoy music and dancing are also encouraged to see how art of music can have an impact on culture. It is important to enter this film with an open mind, this will allow for a far more enjoyable Popenguine experience.
I like your point about how important the music is for this film.
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