Banel & Adama (DVD)

A MAGICAL, SPIRITUALLY BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY 

In a small village in northern Senegal, love has struck Banel and Adama. The young couple live completely entwined wherever they can. If Banel had his way, they would be completely inseparable. But Adama's duties demand attention. So far, he has refused to follow in his older brother's footsteps as village chief. When severe drought, disease, and death strike their community, Adama begins to have doubts. Is it in fact his neglect of tradition that has caused the difficulties? The doubt drives a wedge between the young lovers and causes Banel to become even more isolated from the rest of the village. Love drives her further and further into madness and desperation. Inspired by classical dramas (Phaedra, Romeo and Juliet) and Senegalese folklore, feature film debutant Ramata-Toulaye Sy has created a powerful and moving film about love, family, tradition, and the struggle for freedom.Medea, Romeo and Juliet) and Senegalese folklore, feature film debutant Ramata-Toulaye Sy has created a romantic, passionate and symbolically charged drama that gets under the skin of the viewer. The magical realist atmosphere is enhanced by the delicate sound design, Amine Berrada's cinematography, numerous nods to Terrence Malick, and the music of Bachar Khalifé. In addition to competing at Cannes in 2023, Banel & Adama has been awarded the Broght Horizons Award, one of the world's largest film awards, at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2023.

BONUS MATERIAL

– ASTEL – short film by Ramata-Toulaye Sy (2021, 23 min)

– Original trailer

– Njutafilms trailer show

– The film is subtitled in Swedish, Finnish, English, French, Spanish, Arabic

*  *  *  *  ” A classic fable about unhappy love... The characters are crushed under patriarchal tradition... Feels like a beautiful car crash that you can't look away from.”  –  Sydsvenskan

”Powerful epic quality, poetic and dramatic sensibility” –  UNT

”Dark, poetic, and searingly beautiful –  GP

”A stunningly beautiful love story with apocalyptic undertones –  DN

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”Breathtakingly beautiful” – The Hollywood Reporter

”A strong debut” – Variety

”Like a fever dream where symbolism and reality merge”  Indiewire

”An impressive work of natural talent”  The Guardian

”Poetic portrayal of a young woman's inner experiences”  Variety

”Visually stunning and emotional, it gets under your skin nbsp;Variety

”Visually stunning and emotional, gets under your skin” – Deadline

”Rich in atmosphere, magnificent sound design, music and photography”  Cineuropa