Set in the powerful Mali Empire of the 13th century, Yeelen follows the journey of Nianankoro, a young warrior who must battle the powerful Komo cult. Nianankoro’s greatest enemy is his own father, a dangerous and corrupt wizard who uses his dark magic to try and destroy his son. Traveling over the arid Bambara, Fulani, and Dogan lands of ancient West Africa, Nianankoro eventually comes face to face with his father in a final fatal showdown.

This adaptation of an ancient oral legend from Mali is one the most acclaimed and widely seen African films ever made. Its extraordinary use of landscapes and light produces a unique and striking cinematic style.

Dir/Scr/Prod SOULEYMANE CISSÉ is regarded as among the first generation of West African filmmakers and has been called his region’s greatest living filmmaker.