Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1964 • Senegal
This documentary captures the sport of traditional wrestling, called “lamb” in Wolof, popular in Senegal. Paulin Vieyra presents the rigorous rules of the sport and training practices by the sea. The Dakar Arena serves as a showcase for the battles in the film, where every spectator can bet on his favorite wrestler in a festive atmosphere. In 1964, LAMB was included in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival, a first for a film from sub-Saharan Africa.
Up Next in Short Films by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra
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Môl
Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1966 • Senegal
Starring Med HondoA young fisherman dreams of motorizing his boat to better his working conditions. Thanks to his courage and persistence, his dream becomes a reality—but also creates a conflict between traditional values and the modern notion...
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Birago Diop, conteur
Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1981 • Senegal
Starring Birago DiopBIRAGO DIOP, CONTEUR (“Birago Diop, Storyteller”) offers a portrait of the famous Senegalese writer and poet. While young writers of Antillean and African descent chose poetry to express the search for their identity within...
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Behind the Scenes: The Making of CEDDO
Directed by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra • 1981 • Senegal
Starring Ousmane SembèneIn this chronicle of the making of a masterpiece, Paulin Vieyra captures Senegalese cinema titan Ousmane Sembène during the production of his 1977 historical drama CEDDO, which would go on to be banned under the Senghor...
