IMDb > Xala (1975)

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Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   376 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?

Up 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.

Director:

Ousmane Sembene

Writers:

Ousmane Sembene (novel)
Ousmane Sembene (screenplay)

Contact:

View company contact information for Xala on IMDbPro.

Release Date:

29 December 1977 (Hungary) more

Genre:

Comedy more

Plot:

It is the dawn of Senegal's independence from France, but as the citizens celebrate in the streets we... more | add synopsis

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination more

NewsDesk:

"Moolaadé," "Daisy Kenyon"
 (From IFC. 25 March 2008, 6:48 AM, PDT)

User Comments:

hilarious and stinging more (5 total)


Cast

 
Fatim Diagne
Makhouredia Gueye ... Minister Kebe
Thierno Leye ... Hadji Aboucader Beye
Dieynaba Niang
Myriam Niang ... Rama (as Miriam Niang)
Iliamane Sagna ... Modu, driver
Seune Samb ... Adja Assatu, Beye's wife
Abdoulaye Seck
Douta Seck ... Gorgui
Younouss Seye
Dyelea Touré
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Directed by
Ousmane Sembene 
 
Writing credits
(in alphabetical order)
Ousmane Sembene  novel
Ousmane Sembene  screenplay

Produced by
Paulin Vieyra .... producer (as Paulin Soumanou Vieyra)
 
Original Music by
Samba Diabara Samb 
 
Cinematography by
Georges Caristan 
Orlando L. López 
Seydina D. Saye 
Farba Seck 
 

Production CompaniesDistributors
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Additional Details

Also Known As:

Impotence
The Curse
more

Runtime:

123 min

Country:

Senegal

Language:

French | Wolof

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Films Domireew more


Fun Stuff

Movie Connections:

Featured in Caméra d'Afrique (1983) more


FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
5 out of 8 people found the following comment useful.
hilarious and stinging, 28 October 1999
10/10
Author: tRiVi8L

Sembene was once again the failing of government in Senegal and even most of Africa. This time after native Africans come to power.

The juxtaposition of regular, hard-working, citizens with the spoiled, corrupt, and prejudice (to their own citizens) government officials packs a heavy message. And unlike most, Sembene simply does not photograph the regular citizens for the simple juxtaposition, he keeps on them, showing you their true problems, and showing you their sacrifice.

All the while, hilarity ensues the corrupt government officials as hijinks after hijinks. The biggest problem being El Hadji's Xala ... he can't get it up for his young third wife.

Truly an interesting, intelligent, and worthwhile cinematic experience. And even if that doesn't seem to to interest you, watch it for the laughter ... there's plenty of it.

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Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Comedy section IMDb Senegal section
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