Onésiphore M. ADONAI, Bénin, 2024
SYNOPSIS
Ismaël, a 20-year-old nomadic Nigerien shepherd, lives with his father Abou in the village of Yokon, in southern Benin, where their cows find green pastures. Their daily life is peaceful, punctuated by the care that Ismaël lavishes on his sick father with the help of medicinal plants. But everything changes when a farmer, Tokou, discovers his brother’s body in a field and accuses the Fulani community of being responsible for the murder.
The tension rises quickly and turns into a manhunt. Caught in this spiral of violence, Tokou murders Abou, forcing Ismaël to flee for his life. On his way to Niger, he meets Sokè, a young woman whom he saves from a jihadist attack. In return, she helps him heal from his wounds. Between them, despite ethnic divisions and prejudices, a budding love defies the weight of resentment and conflict.
BIOGRAPHY
Onésiphore M. ADONAI, director and at the Beninese author, has distinguished himself through several works of fiction and documentary. His short film “SENS EXTINCTIONS” was awarded the Silhouette d’or for Best Short Film at the International Independent Film Festival of Bafoussam (Cameroon), as well as the Best Screenplay Award at the International Festival Rencontre des Images du Zou. He also won the Djimon Hounsou Grand Prix at the national Ciné 229 Awards festival, thus consolidating his place among the promising talents of African cinema.