Bamako (2006)

Viewers are transported to Bamako, the capital city of Mali, a havenot nation in north Africa. 

The setting is a domestic outdoor courtyard where people are establishing an international tribunal to try the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for crimes against Africa. The judges and magistrates are in full gowns under the sun and chairs have been set up as they would be in court complete with jury and audience.

Testimonies come from all sorts of people - professors and writers, elderly and young - and in all sorts of ways, the most striking in poetry and song. It's clear from the start that the WB and IMF are guilty and the film doesn't shy away from this. The WB and IMF have little defense. 

It is a little difficult to watch Bamako because it cuts from the trial to set up to people just hanging out to a club at night in its attempt to give a rounded view of Africa and the injustices it endures. There isn't a clear story arc either and the main characters disappear frequently giving up the screen to new ones. However, the film is important and unique and deserves attention.

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