Questions de Genre Story and Identity in the Feature Films of Safi Faye
Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Van Tuyl, Jocelyn
Keywords
Francophone Cinema, Literature, African Studies, African Cinema, Gender, Women's Studies
Area of Concentration
French
Abstract
Safi Faye is the first woman to make feature films on the continent of Africa. By combining elements of ethnography, traditional storytelling and politicized documentary, Faye became the author of a film language that challenged established constructions of narrative, as well as former representations of Africa on film. Through an analysis of three of Faye�s most discussed feature-length filmsKaddu Beykat (1975 ), Fad�Jal (1979), and Mossane (1995)this thesis will demonstrate how Faye�s storytelling methods are integrated into an ethnographic approach used to describe collective identity in her village, and will reveal how fictional elements are a means of elaborating observations about people and society. Using evidence from her film techniques, I support the assertion that Faye�s cinematic texts aim to establish a sense of community and cultural identity, and function to fulfill her goal of creating a tangible piece of heritage through film. In a discussion of the notions of story and history, this thesis analyzes the interaction of each in the creation of films that are learning tools with a social message. It will also examine Mark Reid�s theory of womanism and argue that Faye�s female-centered diegeses establish her oeuvre as womanist film that redefines African female cinematic subjectivity. Finally, this thesis will argue that Faye�s distinctive techniques attempt to re-imagine Africa on film, and establish new visions that replace colonial and other disenfranchising representation.
Recommended Citation
Herrick, Holly, "Questions de Genre Story and Identity in the Feature Films of Safi Faye" (2006). Theses & ETDs. 3656.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3656
Rights
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