Cinema: Retrospective of Sarah Maldoror in London
The work of the famous French director Sarah Maldoror, known for adapting the work of Angolan writer José Luandino Vieira for the cinema and addressing the colonial war in Angola, will be the subject of analysis in London, this Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The event, organized in partnership with the London Review of Books (LRB), will feature a series of screenings and discussions about the importance of his cinematic legacy.
Who Was Sarah Maldoror
Sarah Maldoror, born Sarah Ducados in France in 1929, was a pioneer of African cinema and an iconic figure in the struggle for liberation and African cultural representation. The daughter of an Antillean father and a French mother, she adopted the stage name Maldoror in homage to the surrealist poet Lautréamont, author of "The Songs of Maldoror."
After studying film in Moscow, Maldoror joined the African liberation movements, working alongside historical figures such as the founder of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), Mário Pinto de Andrade, who would later become his companion.
Her cinematic work is deeply marked by political commitment and the defense of human rights, addressing themes such as colonialism, racism, and the role of women in African society.
Among his most notable works are the short film “Monangambé” (1959), an adaptation of the short story “The Complete Fact of Lucas Matesso”, by José Luandino Vieira and the feature film “Sambizanga” (1972), inspired by “The True Life of Domingos Xavier”, also by Luandino Vieira.
The latter is considered one of the greatest works of African cinema, depicting Angola's war of liberation and highlighting the female perspective in the fight against colonial oppression. Filmed in the Congo, "Sambizanga" addresses the brutality of colonial occupation and Angolan resistance.
Maldoror also directed important documentaries, such as "Mask of Words," dedicated to the poet Aimé Césaire, and films that explore African history and culture in diverse contexts, such as "The Leningrad Hospital" (1982), based on a story by Victor Serge. His cinematic approach has always been marked by a strong political commitment and a profound aesthetic sensitivity.
Early Works and “Monangambé”
The Garden Cinema program includes a screening of the 1959 short film "Monangambé." This early work by Maldoror preceded "Sambizanga" (1972), considered the first feature film shot in Africa by a woman of African descent. "Monangambé" is a powerful portrait of colonial tensions in Angola and serves as an introduction to the director's unique style and political commitment.
The Impact of “Sambizanga”
"Sambizanga," which will also be screened in London, is perhaps Sarah Maldoror's most iconic work. The film, based on Luandino Vieira's "The True Life of Domingos Xavier," documents the struggle of a woman whose husband is arrested by the Portuguese political police.
Filmed in the Congo, "Sambizanga" not only highlights the brutality of colonial occupation but also focuses on the female perspective during the struggle for Angola's liberation. The screening will be introduced by Annouchka de Andrade, Maldoror's daughter, who is also digitizing and preserving her mother's cinematic legacy.
A Work of Global Relevance
In addition to works focused on Angola, Maldoror's career encompassed global themes. Films such as "The Leningrad Hospital" (1982) explore political resistance in diverse contexts, reflecting Maldoror's view that the struggle for African liberation is part of a global movement.
The director has worked in several African countries and addressed themes such as racism, gender issues, and African cultural heritage. Her cinematic approach has always been marked by a strong political commitment and a profound aesthetic sensitivity.
Legacy and Recognition
Sarah Maldoror may have already passed away, but her legacy lives on through her works and the preservation of her memory through initiatives such as that of her daughter Annouchka de Andrade.
Maldoror's work has been recognized on several occasions, including a retrospective at the Reina Sofia Museum in 2019 and several tributes at film festivals, such as FIC Luanda in 2008. In 2011, the Cine Lumière in London, a room at the French Institute in the British capital, screened Maldoror's first works, with the filmmaker in attendance.
Maldoror left an indelible mark on African and world cinema, highlighting the importance of African narratives told by Africans.
Conclusion
The exhibition of Sarah Maldoror's works in London is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on her lasting impact on cinema and the struggle for African liberation. Her artistic and political vision continues to inspire filmmakers and activists around the world, reaffirming the importance of telling African stories through an African lens.
Picture: © DR
