Roger Gnoan M'Bala

“Many years ago, men and lions used to live in peace together and were allies. They protected each other. But little by little men forgot about their deal and in the end the lions did the same.” These are the words that Lionel’s dying grand-father whispered to him in his village in Africa. Lionel is an 11-year-old boy who leaves happily in Switzerland with his mother and step-father. During a school trip to the zoo, Lionel is irresistibly attracted to an old lion lying in a cage. The lion starts to communicate with him and asks him to find a way to set him free in order to go back to Africa. With the help of his best friend Federico and of his classmates, Lionel is determined to keep his promise…

Dipri is a form of initiation practiced by the Abidji people. During a colorful trip that takes place every year, the population engage in a demonstration of religious mystic power fueled by a collective trance, while great masters suffer injuries with a knife they claim cure instantly. The director Roger M'Bala, one of the most important of his country, has decided to film the ancestral costumes of several tribes of Ivory Coast before they disappear completely. Being a member of this community he mingles with the crowd without being noticed, delivering the essence of the celebration.

In West Africa during the late 17th century, King Adanggaman leads a war against his neighboring tribes, ordering his soldiers to torch enemy villages, kill the elderly and capture the healthy tribesmen to sell to the European slave traders. When his village falls prey to one of Adanggaman's attacks, Ossei manages to escape, but his family is murdered except for his captured mother. Chasing after the soldiers in an effort to free her, Ossei is befriended by a fierce warrior named Naka.

In West Africa during the late 17th century, King Adanggaman leads a war against his neighboring tribes, ordering his soldiers to torch enemy villages, kill the elderly and capture the healthy tribesmen to sell to the European slave traders. When his village falls prey to one of Adanggaman's attacks, Ossei manages to escape, but his family is murdered except for his captured mother. Chasing after the soldiers in an effort to free her, Ossei is befriended by a fierce warrior named Naka.

서아프리카의 한 작은 마을, 평범한 돼지치기인 주인공은 어느 날 문득 자신이 신의 부름을 받았다고 생각한다. 그는 스스로를 예수의 가족이자 사도라 칭하며 마을 사람들을 구원하기 위해 설교를 시작한다. 시간이 지나며 그를 진짜 예언자라 믿는 사람들이 나오기 시작하고, 마을에서는 작지 않은 소동이 벌어진다. 1993년 로카르노영화제 경쟁부문 상영. (한국시네마테크협의회)

서아프리카의 한 작은 마을, 평범한 돼지치기인 주인공은 어느 날 문득 자신이 신의 부름을 받았다고 생각한다. 그는 스스로를 예수의 가족이자 사도라 칭하며 마을 사람들을 구원하기 위해 설교를 시작한다. 시간이 지나며 그를 진짜 예언자라 믿는 사람들이 나오기 시작하고, 마을에서는 작지 않은 소동이 벌어진다. 1993년 로카르노영화제 경쟁부문 상영. (한국시네마테크협의회)

Bouka is a gifted young teenager. He lives with his parents in a village and forms with them a solid family. His father gives him a traditional education close to nature. Unfortunately this happiness will be troubled by the brutal death of the father…Remained widow, the mother of Bouka will suffer the consequences of a relentless traditional principle. She become the new wife of the nephew of her late husband, Bouka doesn’t accepts this new condition of her mother. He suspects his stepfather to be involved in his father death. He stops to go to school and organize a gang in the forest. In this tormented atmosphere, he develops a mortal hate towards its new "father"…

Bouka is a gifted young teenager. He lives with his parents in a village and forms with them a solid family. His father gives him a traditional education close to nature. Unfortunately this happiness will be troubled by the brutal death of the father…Remained widow, the mother of Bouka will suffer the consequences of a relentless traditional principle. She become the new wife of the nephew of her late husband, Bouka doesn’t accepts this new condition of her mother. He suspects his stepfather to be involved in his father death. He stops to go to school and organize a gang in the forest. In this tormented atmosphere, he develops a mortal hate towards its new "father"…

A city with its problems. A gang of abandoned children provide for themselves and pose as heroes. The police are on their backs day and night. They are enterprising, energetic, and full of fresh vitality. Despite the fact they are rejected by their parents and ignored by the world, they form among themselves a powerful example of solidarity. Ablakon is something of a different order. He is an adult delinquent and a swindler. Posing as a businessman, he has deceived a countless number of people. When he and his accomplice return to the village, his extravagant behaviour is mistaken for a sign of success. Following his example many young people leave for the city. But they will soon understand their mistake...

A city with its problems. A gang of abandoned children provide for themselves and pose as heroes. The police are on their backs day and night. They are enterprising, energetic, and full of fresh vitality. Despite the fact they are rejected by their parents and ignored by the world, they form among themselves a powerful example of solidarity. Ablakon is something of a different order. He is an adult delinquent and a swindler. Posing as a businessman, he has deceived a countless number of people. When he and his accomplice return to the village, his extravagant behaviour is mistaken for a sign of success. Following his example many young people leave for the city. But they will soon understand their mistake...

Short directed by Roger Gnoan M'Bala.

The Niambwa is a tribe that worships the God Mask at the centre of their society, culture and politics. The Mask is mediator in conflicts and his decision is final. His heavy figure dances accompanied by the whole population. Suddenly the panther-man appears crawling in his strange disguise, sowing the panic. Two opposite figures. The director Roger M'Bala, one of the most important of his country, has decided to film the ancestral costumes of several tribes of Ivory Coast before they disappear completely. Being a member of this community he mingles with the crowd without being noticed, delivering the essence of the celebration.