Xala (EOTWS)

End Of The Week Shorts #32 extract: Xala (1975)

As with Black Girl, Sembène explores European influence as a catalyst for corruption and conflict in post-colonial Africa with Xala. Following a corrupt business man who, under the ruse of sparking independence, sides with Europeans and exploits impoverished and disabled African citizens, Xala is a satirical film about being a real man. Using impotence as a euphemism for personal short comings and greed, there is then a strong sense of fate and justice present throughout this narrative - as, of course, impose by Sembène and his politics. 

Unfortunately, whilst this is a well-constructed film, I found it dry and very boring. In essence, Xala failed to captivate me in any way and so I had to struggle through, and don't feel much the better for it.