20/18
Diop artistically expresses the needs of the new generation
Narrative
The path of the 26 stolen royal treasures of the Kingdom of Dahomey can be seen in Paris and is now being returned to Benin. World premiere on February 18, 2024 at the 74th Berlinale Film Festival.
It highlights the Beninese debate about the meaning of this event and presents a variety of perspectives
Accented with poetic tones, the documentary tells the story of the journey of historical objects returning from France to Benin. Particularly impressive is the technique of telling from the point of view of the artefact, which adds depth and complexity to the audience’s understanding.
it would have helped to form an opinion about the conversations of the Beninese presented in the film
From a technical point of view, the project is exceptionally well-crafted, impresses with its image quality, thoughtful timing and impressive sound. As a European viewer, I felt the explanation of what modern Benin is like outside of the capital was a bit lacking.
See the full fall lineup for the 62nd New York Film Festival
However, it is clear that the filmmaker did not aim to provide a comprehensive picture of the current state of the country.