Money, Freedom, A History of the CFA Franc
PG
L’argent, la liberté, une histoire du franc CFA is the latest film from documentarian Katy Lena Ndiaye who lives between Dakar and Brussels. Her films bring to the screen contemporary Africa, the relationship it has with history, memory and legacies. L’argent, la liberté tells the story of CFA franc, a currency inherited from the French colonial system and still in circulation in a dozen African countries today.
In theory 1960 marked the end of empires on the African continent. However, the many damaging legacies left behind include the CFA Franc, a colonial creation. Why are the States still using it never denounced this blood-stained currency after regaining independence?
Based on a rich trove of archive material, the film helps explain the significance of the CFA franc by taking us on a journey uncovering the history of the continent, from the end of the 19th century to the present day. And asking the question of how that tie may finally be broken?
Special LIAAF Ticket Offer! If you put all three Leeds International African Arts Festival films into your basket the price will reduce to £15 for all three.
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“A galvanizing [...], balanced and thought-provoking documentary that sets out to break down the CFA’s storied history, particularly in francophone Africa while tracing its influence on the present.”
Wilfred Okiche, OkayAfrica
“Ndiaye creates an intricate narrative pattern using threads of perspectives from a colourful cast of characters... These narratives, interspersed with rich archival footage and sharp political soundbites from French leaders, form a magnificent cinematic story.”
Overly Honest Movie Reviews
