Alfreda’s Cinema, Yeleen (1987)| 8pm @TheBoathouse

Yeelen (1987. Souleyman Cisse.)

Alfreda’s Cinema’s Black August screening of Yeelen (1987) celebrates its rich storytelling and deep ties to nature. Set in Mali’s striking landscapes, the film follows Nianankoro, a young mystic fleeing his father, a powerful shaman. Rooted in Bambara cosmology, Yeelen presents nature as a mystical force—fire, water, earth, and the sun shape Nianankoro’s journey, symbolizing both creation and destruction. The sun, central to his power, embodies enlightenment and destiny, while fire acts as a transformative force. Blending myth, nature, and generational conflict, the film’s breathtaking visuals and elemental themes reinforce its status as a landmark of African cinema.

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