Demba

In his second feature film, Senegalese writer/director Mamadou Dia’s Demba challenges viewers in unexpected ways in a story alternating neorealist and hallucinatory elements. Demba invites and deserves rapt attention for its chronicling of the interconnected, troubled lives of Demba Lam, his colleagues, son Bajjo, and the modest community. The opening, extreme long shot of the rundown northern Senegalese Matam City Hall, identified in on-screen titles, effectively sets the scene. Clearly having seen better days, the shabby building serves as a metaphor for Demba who emerges from the front door, following a young man (he’ll be recognized later as Bajjo) who says, “I did not ask to be picked up.” Looking defeated, Demba does not respond.