Moolaadé

Moolaadé is a 2004 Senegalese film directed by Ousmane Sembène. It addresses the subject of Female genital mutilation, a practice common in some cultures in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The film won the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

Plot

The film is set in a small African village, where four little girls facing ritual circumcision decide to seek "moolaadé" (protection) at the house of Collé Ardo Gallo Sy, a strong-willed woman who herself had managed to shield her own daughter from the harmful practice. Collé invokes the time-honored custom of moolaadé, which means sanctuary or protection, a custom that ensures the girls' safety as long as they stay within the boundaries of her home.

Themes

"Moolaadé" explores themes of tradition, religion, gender roles, power, and the clash between modernity and tradition. It highlights the struggle of women in patriarchal societies and their fight for their rights and autonomy. The film also addresses the controversial issue of female genital mutilation, a practice that is seen by some as a rite of passage and by others as a violation of human rights.

Reception

"Moolaadé" was critically acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and its tackling of a sensitive issue. It won the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and was also nominated for the Golden Palm. The film was hailed as a powerful statement against the practice of female genital mutilation.

See also

• Cinema of Senegal
• Ousmane Sembène
• Female genital mutilation
• Cannes Film Festival

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