Set in an unidentified African country, Fanta Regina Nacro's movie, uses largely unprofessional actors to tell the story of the conflict between two ethnic tribes - the Bonandés and the Nayaks. A bloody war has left hundreds or thousands dead, children without limbs, women raped and a country torn apart through ethnic hatred. In the midst of the conflict, a truce is born, brokered by le President and Col. Theo. We join them at a dinner party, where the wives of the Colonel and le President take centre stage as hostesses of the event. Whilst celebrations are under way, tensions rise between the factions, thirsty for revenge over the atrocities.
The film is Shakespearean in its drama and yet original in its subject matter and cinematic form (shot in 8 weeks with a 35 mm camera). Nacro suggests reconciliation between the tribes through local customs rather than accountability through courts. The most important thing for all those involved is to end the massacres. Those who dare disturb the fragile peace have become the enemy for both tribes.
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