Beyond: An African Surf Documentary - 2017 - Morocco

Beyond: An African Surf Documentary - 2017 - 6/10 

 
Embryonic surf scenes from Morocco, through Mauritania, into Senegal.
Not all riding the waves, either.  A philosophical bookseller, freestyle dancer, BMX cyclist, canoeists, nomads.
All breaking with social expectations, and the empty dream of becoming a millionaire.
Surf sequences are not typical surf porn (slow motion, razor focus, cerulean skies).
Africa is an exploited / struggling continent.  There may be trash, smog, soldiers, mines.
Participants are hopeful that tomorrow, perhaps, will be a better day.

Saloum - 2021 - Senegal

Saloum - 2021 - 7/10

 
Three mercenaries known as the Hyenas crouch low, then approach the isolated village.
After participating in a coup in Guinea, they flee into Senegal with a hostage and a case of gold bullion.
Eventually entering Saloum, childhood home for the leader of the trio.
His memories of the village, however, are akin to fleeting nightmares.
And just why would anyone return to a place of dread?
Simmering tensions start as soon as the men enter Saloum, then build inexorably.
Brooding horror film has a remarkable sense of place and should tempt buffs wanting new perspectives.

Xala - 1975 - Senegal

Xala - 1975 - 6/10

 
El Hadji prepares to marry wife number three, which wives number one and two are not thrilled about.
A small time official, as corrupt as any, Hadji steals, embezzles, short-changes.
Wedding night, calamity!  His tool refuses to rise to the occasion.
He decides an impotence curse (xala) is the cause.  But who cursed him.  
Senegal film was problematic for me.
Despite an introduction by the curator (historical background and context), I was still out of my depth, not understanding Senegalese history, the recent independence from France, and rampant official misdeeds.
Also, marked as a comedy, I never got it.  Never laughed once.
And the spitting.