You’re invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Dahomey, including an in-person conversation with writer/director Mati Diop.

Winner of the coveted Golden Bear prize at the 2024 Berlinale, Dahomey is an immersive and astounding work of art from Mati Diop, director of the award-winning Atlantics. Delving into real perspectives on far-reaching issues surrounding appropriation, self-determination and restitution, this acclaimed documentary is a poetic look at a seldom-discussed history.

Taking place in November 2021, the film takes as its subject 26 royal treasures of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which, along with thousands of others, were plundered by French colonial troops in 1892. As these artifacts are due to leave Paris to return to their country of origin, the present-day Republic of Benin, Diop questions how they should be received in a country that has reinvented itself in their absence, using ethereal voiceover and footage of debating students at the University of Abomey-Calavi to offer multiple perspectives.

By turns invigorating and thought-provoking, Diop’s latest uses compelling non-traditional storytelling techniques to powerfully bring the past into the present, offering an affecting though altogether singular conversation piece that is as spellbinding as it is essential.

A MUBI Release.

 
2024, 68 minutes, color | Written and Directed by Mati Diop | Featuring Gildas Adannou, Morias Agbessi, Maryline Agbossi | Produced by Eve Robin, Judith Lou Levy, Mati Diop
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members are guaranteed access to, and receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at 3:00 pm PT on Thursday, October 17. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registrants may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Landmark Sunset offers three hours of free parking with validation; $2.00 every 15 minutes thereafter, with a daily maximum of $24.00. The garage is open 24 hours – enter from Laurel Ave. or Crescent Heights Blvd.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.