13 min

2013

Starring: Mutar Djebaté, Fatu Djebaté, Mamadu Baio

Director: João Viana

Language: Mandinka

This short film is showing at the 63rd Berlinale Festival.

After fighting in a colonial war, Mutar, an old man comes back to the village. He doesn’t speak to anyone. A shot is heard and right after that the old man falls down and we believe him dead.

He doesn’t speak, so the curious daughter Fatu,  wants to know what’s in his suitcase and opens it. Why is Mutar so terrified? What is he carrying in his suitcase? Even the wise women are unable to prevent her from opening the it. Shock turns into surprise but the drum beat goes on.

Tabatô is the name of the village in Guinea-Bissau.