Touki Bouki (1973)

About Touki Bouki

Touki Bouki is a 1973 Senegalese drama film directed by Djibril Diop Mambéty. The story revolves around a young couple, Mory and Anta, who fantasize about fleeing Dakar for a mythic and romanticized France. The film narrates their audacious plan to raise money for the trip and their encounters with the raw, often brutal reality.

Making / Production

Touki Bouki is a landmark film in African cinema. Directed by Djibril Diop Mambéty, the film was made on a low budget with support from the French film industry and the Senegalese government. It employs unconventional storytelling techniques reminiscent of the French New Wave.

Actors

• Magaye Niang: Niang played the role of Mory, a cowboy-style herdsman who dreams of leaving Dakar for France. Niang imparts an unforgettable charm to Mory’s character, perfectly capturing his yearning and ambition.
• Mareme Niang: Playing as Anta, Mareme embodies determination and the desire to escape poverty. Her performance is both strong and delicate, making Anta's character truly memorable.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Touki Bouki was one of the first Sub-Saharan African films to be recognized internationally.
• The film was restored in 2008 by the World Cinema Foundation.

Awards

Djibril Diop Mambéty’s Touki Bouki won the International Critics Prize at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival. In 2008, it was ranked #52 in Empire magazine's "The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema".

Quotes

• "It's not about where you're going, it's how you get there."
• "Dream is a voyage."

Music, Soundtrack

• Traditional African drum beats feature significantly in the film's soundtrack.
• The film also incorporates various elements of world music.