Mati Diop has a new film ready, it’s titled “Dahomey.” It could have gone to Cannes if it wanted to, but they’ve decided to premiere it, in competition, at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival.
None of the trades have reported on this film. There’s nothing on IMDB. I even Googled it and couldn’t find much about this latest one from Diop. The only information that I could find was hidden inside a Cineuropa article:
Mati Diop's documentary […] is about the return of the royal treasures of Abomey in Benin, snatched away by colonial plunder, to a country that has had to build itself up and come to terms with their absence.
There was socio-political and supernatural blending in Diop’s 2019 Cannes-winning “Atlantics,” a bewitching film from the French-Senegalese writer-director.
After a successful jaunt in acting and directing short films, in “Atlantics,” Diop returned to her native Senegal for her feature-length debut. It was also the first film directed by a black woman to compete in Cannes' main competition, where it was awarded the Grand Prix prize.
Back to Berlin, the lineup is being announced on January 22, there have been rumors here and there about what could be part of the competition. Contrary to rumors, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” won’t be premiering at Berlin. As far as world cinema goes, we’re most likely going to be seeing a lineup that includes Diop’s film, Lav Diaz’ “Henrico's Farm,” Wang Bing’s “Youth: Part Two,” Bruno Dumont’s “L’Empire,” Olivier Assayas’ “Hors de Temps,” and Abderhamanne Sissako’s “Black Tea.”
Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and Ethan Coen’s “Drive-Away Dolls” are also possibilities, but I wouldn’t be surprised if neither shows up.
The 74th Berlin Film Festival will be taking place from February 14-25. This year’s jury will be presided by actress Lupita Nyong'o.