FRANCE · 1948

Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

Jean Rouch
French New Wave ritual initiation spirit possession indigenous spirituality dance and movement West African culture
Trailer
Synopsis

Filmed in Firgoun, Niger, the film documents an initiation ceremony in which a young Songhay woman undergoes ritual preparation for the dance of possession. Led by zima (ritual priests), the ganandi ceremony teaches the structured movements and ritual practices required for participation in spirit possession rites associated with Kirey, the spirit of thunder. The film records the process through w

Year1948
CountryFrance
DirectorJean Rouch
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed poster

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