Benin’s historic female warriors, known as the Amazons of Dahomey, are legendary throughout West Africa, but a Hollywood production is bringing them back into the spotlight.
The Woman King, which was released last Friday and was shown in a few cinemas in Cotonou on Saturday, is inspired by the story of the Aguji women who protected the ancient kingdom of Dahomey and fought against French colonial troops in the 19th century. .
The main character, General Neneska, is played by Oscar-winning American actor Viola Davis, who trains the next generation of recruits against a rival African kingdom and European slave traders.
The production, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and filmed primarily in South Africa, has received praise for its leading roles for black actresses, but has also been criticized for glorifying slavery. Is.
At the premiere in Benin’s economic capital, descendants of King Gizo of Dahomey, who attended the screening at the Canal Olympia cinema, shed tears while watching.
“For the princess that I am, some of the scenes were very touching. These brave women gave their lives to protect the heritage of Gezo, which is my own,” said 37-year-old Sylvain Senami Gezo.
A younger viewer, 15-year-old Bahunde Ifanam, was also emotional and said the film gave him a “thrust”.
The Amazons of Dahomey have been celebrated many times before, including in the 2018 film Black Panther in which they inspired the Dora Milaje warriors of Wakanda.
Most recently, Benin President Patrice Talon unveiled a 30-meter-tall bronze statue representing the Amazon in central Cotonou.
The government said it chose the figure as a symbol of national identity and an important part of its history to attract tourists.
Tourism
Created by Chinese artist Li Xiangqun, the president said of the exhibit in July, “This sculpture will be a symbol of the Beninese woman of yesterday, today and tomorrow, for us and for those who will come.”
“Importantly, the words of courage, bravery, strength, fighting skills and honor in Benin are not exclusively associated with men,” the president said.
For those working in the country’s burgeoning tourism industry, such as Achille Rami Yelvassi who was at the premiere, the hope is also that films like The Woman King “help put Benin on the map”.
Although some said that the next film should be made in Benin and not in Hollywood because it is related to the country’s history.
In the United States, some have criticized the film for not addressing the role of the Dahomey Kingdom in the slave trade. #Boycottwomanking is trending on Twitter.
But for some Beni women, according to Senami Totan, a lawyer and activist in the country, the film can also help address issues related to women’s rights.
“In a patriarchal society like we have in Benin, you need a lot of courage and determination to defend women’s rights,” she said, citing rape, forced marriages, women’s exclusion from inheritance rights. , and listed the challenges of lack of representation. In politics
“We no longer have to fight wars against enemy armies, but the fight for women’s liberation is a daily battle, and for that we must have the Amazon spirit,” she added.
In addition to celebrating the Beninese woman, actress Viola Davis said she hopes the film will also inspire young girls around the world.
“This is for my six-year-old self… the little girl who was traumatized, the little girl who was called ugly, the little girl who wasn’t seen, who was invisible,” she told reporters before the Toronto premiere. was abandoned.” month
“I see you Viola. I see every chocolate girl like you. I’m telling you to stop running. This is my gift to you.”
