‘Dahomey’ Wins Golden Bear at 74th Berlin International Film Festival
‘Dahomey’
© Les Films du Bal – Fanta Sy
French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop’s documentary Dahomey has won the prestigious Golden Bear for best film at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. The film explores the return of plundered treasures of the African Kingdom of Dahomey from Paris to the present-day Republic of Benin. This multifaceted docu-fictional essay delves into the complex response of those in Benin whose culture developed for over a century without these artifacts.
Mati Diop made a direct political statement by declaring her support for Palestine while accepting the award. The jury president, Lupita Nyong’o, the first African and first Black person in the role, announced the Golden Bear win. Diop’s Dahomey is only the second African film to receive this honor, following Breathe Umphefumlo from South African director Mark Dornford-May in 2015. The film has been acquired by art house streamer Mubi for North America and several other territories.
Other Winners at 74th Berlin International Film Festival
- Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize: A Traveler’s Needs directed by Hong Sangsoo
- Silver Bear Jury Prize: L’ Empire directed by Bruno Dumont
- Silver Bear for Best Director: Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias for Pepe
- Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance: Sebastian Stan for A Different Man
- Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance: Emily Watson for Small Things Like These
- Silver Bear for Best Screenplay: Matthias Glasner for Sterben (Dying)
- Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution: Martin Gschlacht for cinematography in The Devil’s Bath
In addition to the competition category, awards were given for the best first feature, best documentary, and best short films. It’s worth mentioning that this edition of the Berlin International Film Festival is the last under the artistic direction of Carlo Chatrian, who will be succeeded by Tricia Tuttle.
