Queering the Canon: DAKAN (1997)

Rare Screening

Touted as the first queer love story from West Africa, this poignant and unapologetic drama endures beyond the controversy and celebration it received upon its premiere at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. Sory and Manga feel an irrepressible romantic connection they cannot deny. But after the young men share their authentic feelings with their parents they are separated and sent in different directions. Sory begins to work in his father’s business while Manga must spend a year with a traditional healer in the backcountry – and they are both firmly encouraged to settle down with women. As Sory and Manga attempt to meet social conventions, it gradually becomes clear that their personal journeys are more paralleling than divergent.

A rarely screened milestone in queer cinema, Mohamed Camara’s DAKAN (DESTINY) is a powerful call to listening to — and trusting in — one’s heart.

“’Coming out’ and seeking acceptance is nothing new; but in this small but heartfelt film it is given fresh life…A trailblazer in the African context.”
– Variety

“This fascinating film allows us to see the dangers in supposing there can be a universal ‘gay’ narrative – and it is also a charming narrative.”
– K. Anthony Appiah

With special guest introduction by Amir Adem

Part of Queering the Canon: We’re Out Here

Mohamed Camara

René Féret

Mohamed Camara, Cécile Bois, Mamady Mory Camara, Koumba Diakite, Aboucar Touré, Kade Seck