THE CEMETERY OF CINEMA, a debut documentary by Guinean filmmaker Thierno Souleymane Diallo, embarks on a captivating journey to uncover the enigma of “Mouramani,” a 1953 film by fellow Guinean Mamadou Touré. Revered as the first film by a Black French-speaking director and a trailblazer in African cinema, the existence and content of “Mouramani” remain shrouded in mystery. Diallo’s quest takes him across Guinea, engaging with archivists, film students, professors, and local villagers in search of clues about the elusive film. His journey also sheds light on the broader narrative of Guinean cinema, highlighting its struggles with political suppression, resource scarcity, and cultural disregard.
The documentary is an innovative and lyrical ode to the essence and influence of cinema as both an artistic medium and a communal activity. Eschewing traditional documentary techniques like interviews and voice-overs, Diallo opts for an observational style, allowing the visuals and sounds to narrate the tale.
The film intersperses scenes of daily life in Guinea with excerpts from various films, artworks, and literary works, weaving Diallo’s insights into a rich tapestry of text, imagery, and sound. This experimental approach results in an immersive narrative that is both distinctive and thought-provoking.
THE CEMETERY OF CINEMA is a crucial addition to discussions about African cinema, offering a fresh, critical viewpoint that challenges prevailing narratives and encourages viewers to reconsider the significance and value of cinema in a diverse, global context. The film is also a deeply personal account of Diallo, who revisits his childhood passion for film in Bantara and weaves his journey with the stories of forgotten filmmakers.
This documentary stands as a testament to the transformative power of documentary filmmaking, engaging audiences, revealing complex realities, and inspiring new perspectives and actions in today’s world.