Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1961 • Senegal
In 1958, Paulin Vieyra set up a special office dedicated to cinema in Senegal, which, after the establishment of independence in 1960, became a base for the country’s film industry. A NATION IS BORN is a historical portrait of Vieyra’s homeland showing scenes from precolonial traditions—represented mainly by dance—to the exploitative era of European domination, to the new beginning represented by the celebration of the republic.
Up Next in Short Films by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra
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Lamb
Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1964 • Senegal
This documentary captures the sport of traditional wrestling, called “lamb” in Wolof, popular in Senegal. Paulin Vieyra presents the rigorous rules of the sport and training practices by the sea. The Dakar Arena serves as a showcase for the bat...
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Môl
Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1966 • Senegal
Starring Med HondoA young fisherman dreams of motorizing his boat to better his working conditions. Thanks to his courage and persistence, his dream becomes a reality—but also creates a conflict between traditional values and the modern notion...
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Birago Diop, conteur
Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1981 • Senegal
Starring Birago DiopBIRAGO DIOP, CONTEUR (“Birago Diop, Storyteller”) offers a portrait of the famous Senegalese writer and poet. While young writers of Antillean and African descent chose poetry to express the search for their identity within...
