Moolaadé

Moolaadé is a 2004 Senegalese film directed by Ousmane Sembène. The film is set in a village in Burkina Faso and addresses the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). It tells the story of Collé, a young girl who is chosen for "purification" by her mother, a process that involves FGM. However, her older sister, Sale, who had previously undergone FGM but later rejected the practice, intervenes. Sale uses the traditional practice of "Moolaadé," a form of female sanctuary and protection, to shield Collé and other young girls from the ritual.

The film depicts the clash between traditional customs and the changing perspectives of women. Sale's act of Moolaadé creates a rift within the community, with some elders supporting the tradition and others, like the village chief and Sale's husband, advocating for the abolition of FGM. The story highlights the power of women to resist harmful practices and the importance of education and dialogue in bringing about social change. Moolaadé was critically acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and its unflinching examination of a sensitive issue. It won numerous awards, including the UNESCO Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Stallion of Yennenga at the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou.