Yeelen (Brightness)

This film from Mali combines mythological and ethnographic elements to present a universalistic story about the relationship of a father and son and the quest for knowledge or brightness. Young Niankoro is about to be shown the secrets of Komo, the ancestral knowledge of his Bambara people. His vengeful father, Soma, tries to prevent his son from gaining knowledge and so becoming an equal. Armed with a magical pylon, Soma pursues his son who possesses a wing and a jewel for protection. The two meet in a mystical battle which culminates in a blinding burst of light. (Does not circulate)