The new film from Christopher Kirkley of Sahel Sounds, starring Ahmoudou Madassane!
The first-ever ethnographic acid Western! A young nomad from drought stricken Niger leaves home to find his brother, who has mysteriously vanished. His journey leads him into a surreal vision of the Sahara, crossing paths with djinn, bandits, gold seekers, migrants, and rumors of an enchanted oasis that may hold the key to everything.
In the style of ethnofiction proposed by Jean Rouch, ZERZURA is a window into Saharan dreams and imagination. Written and developed on location, with a cast of non-actors and improvised performances, ZERZURA mixes folklore with documentary, playing with mutual exoticism to create a trans-cultural fiction.
Directed by Christopher Kirkley (Sahel Sounds, Akounak) and featuring an original guitar-heavy score from protagonist Ahmoudou Madassane (Mdou Moctar, Les Filles de Illighadad), Marisa Anderson, and Karen Antunes. In Tamashek with English subtitles.
Funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.