Film Lens
Bye Bye Africa is a 1999 Chadian film directed by Mahamat Saleh Haroun, who also stars in the lead role. The film follows a Chadian film director, Haroun, who returns to Chad from France after the death of his mother. Upon his return, he is confronted with the deteriorated state of his country and its cinema. The narrative reflects Haroun's struggles to defend his career choice to skeptical family members, citing Jean-Luc Godard's quote, "The cinema creates memories."
As Haroun attempts to create a film dedicated to his mother, he faces significant obstacles, including closed cinemas and a lack of financing. He reconnects with an old girlfriend, Isabelle, who has faced stigma for her role in a previous film. The film also touches on the broader issues affecting African cinema through Haroun's interactions with other filmmakers. Ultimately, feeling disillusioned, Haroun leaves Chad, passing his camera to a young boy who had been following him, symbolizing the hope for future storytelling in Africa.
Why Watch
- •See Mahamat Saleh Haroun's unique perspective on Chadian cinema.
- •Meet Isabelle, a character facing stigma in her community.
- •Find out about the struggles of filmmaking in Chad.
Did You Know
•Bye Bye Africa won the 'CinemAvvenire' Award at the 1999 Venice Film Festival.
•The film received a Special Mention at the 1999 Amiens International Film Festival.
•Mahamat Saleh Haroun's film was the first feature directed by a Chadian filmmaker.
•The film was tied for the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2000 Kerala International Film Festival.
Perfect For
Chadian cinemaFilm industry challengesAfrican storytelling