2013 Edition

The Rite, the Lunatic and I

The Rite, the Lunatic and I

Section: Long Films

Country: Togo

Production Year: 2012

Runtime: 86 Minutes

Director: Gentille Menguizani Assih

Screenwriter: Gentille Menguizani Assih

Cinematographer: Michel K. Zongo

Editor: Joëlle Janssen

Synopsis: This documentary marks an opportunity to understand the complexity of African cultures and traditions. The Akpéma is a northern Togo ritual through which older women teach young girls how to be proud and strong. While growing up, Gentille Menguizani Assih, the director of this documentary, learned Akpéma secrets from her grandmother which made her understand why her father used to abuse her. Today, chosen as Akpéma godmother to her little sister, Gentille Menguizani Assih is again transferring this ancient heritage to the young girl.