Banel & Adama is the semi-surrealist romantic drama that marks the directorial debut of Ramata-Toulaye Sy. The film follows a couple who live in a remote village in north Senegal. The audience follow the couple’s struggle to stay together as the village’s cattle die and as their traditions call on Adama to perform higher duties, as he is the village’s leader’s son. The two are methodically digging up a house buried in sand that is outside of the village, which sparks worry in their community, fearing that the house is cursed somehow. The theme of tradition and superstition holding Banel and Adama back is frequent throughout the film’s runtime.
The young couple, as well as the entire cast, are played by two non-professional actors and they really sell their story of a young couple being pulled apart. While the film’s slower pacing contributes to the atmosphere along with the editing, music, and cinematography expertly, I wanted that pace extended to when the betrothed are separated by their circumstances and the film begins to focus on Banel’s perspective. Khady Mane’s performance as Banel is very compelling, as she really sells the reality of Banel being isolated from her love, however I wish she was with Adama more, as her chemistry with Mamadou Diallo was enthralling.
Banel & Adama, 2023. Directed by Ramata-Toulaye Sy.
When Banel and Adama are together, the two are almost highlighted in blue and orange light, and when they’re later framed on their own Banel is surrounded by harsh, aggressive oranges and Adama is surrounded by cool, lonely blues. The film uses these colours in costumes and at times clever unnatural lighting to visually convey the couple’s separation. There are also scenes in the film that border on thriller, as Banel’s descent into fury is represented visually through minor moments that delve more into the film’s surrealist side. Other moments of surrealism come when Ramata-Toulaye Sy manages to frame an arid, unforgiving desert as a beautiful oasis with sunset colours and gorgeous silhouetted landscape shots.
Banel’s anger over her domestic circumstances and isolation is captured extremely well through the camera work, editing and performances, however I do think it went on longer than it needed to. I wish the process of Banel and Adama being dragged apart was focused on more, as I felt the majority of the runtime was dedicated to Banel yearning for her betrothed’s company. Despite pacing issues and character arcs that I wished held more focus, Banel & Adama is a beautifully shot romance drama and a very strong debut feature for the director and all actors involved.
Banel & Adama is playing from Monday the 12th to Sunday the 18th of February at the Somerville Auditorium through Perth Festival.