Dahomey

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Join us for the UAE premiere of Dahomey (2024), presented by Louvre Abu Dhabi, a bold and timely documentary by French-Senegalese filmmaker and actress Mati Diop. Winner of the Golden Bear, the top prize awarded at the Berlin International Film Festival, the film offers a powerful reflection on restitution, the return of looted African artifacts to their countries of origin.

The documentary follows the return of 26 royal treasures from France to the Republic of Benin, tracing the impact of colonial plunder and the evolving dialogue around repatriation.

Through this screening, the museum aims to spark a critical conversation on the role of museums today, and the cultural significance of homecoming.

Official Synopsis
The African Kingdom of Dahomey, which ruled in West Africa until the early 20th century, saw hundreds of its royal artifacts looted by French colonial troops during its final days. Now, 26 of these treasures are being returned from Paris to their country of origin, present-day Benin. But what perspective should a nation adopt toward the return of ancestors long separated from their homeland? As the spirit of these artifacts is finally liberated, students at the University of Abomey-Calavi engage in the debate head-on.

Watch the trailer.