In 1942, Vichy French soldiers stationed in Dakar arrive in southern Senegal to confiscate rice from the fiercely independent Joola people, but the women have hidden the crop. Based on historical events, including a massacre and the deportation of Queen Aline Sitoé Diatta (the “Joan of Arc of Senegal”), this is the only full-length feature in the Joola language. “Sembene does not grab you; he engages you” (New York Times). 1971, 35mm, in French and Joola with English subtitles, 103 minutes.

Post-screening discussion led by Patricia Lorcin, Department of History, University of Minnesota.