Original subtitles

At low tide, when Mossane bathes

In the waters of Mamangueth on the banks of the sound

The Pangools, disappeared in their youth,

Since time immemorial, come to contemplate their chosen

Admire their favourite

The wandering beggar pursues these spirits of the savanah

Who, sighing bitterly,

Return to Sangomar where the river's mouth groans

Where the spirits live at the breast of the moving waters

What do you want?

My head is spinning, I'm hot.

We will soon go to the beach,

I will dive deep and bring you back a pearly shell.

Bathing in the sea will do you good.

As soon as you are better,

We will take showers together, we will run,

and the sun and the wind will dry us.

Mossane,

your brother is exhausted.

Come, let him rest.

- Pass to Remy! - Cut him down!

Be careful with your ball.

Do not touch me. Understand?

Mossane, I want to sit down.

Take this bench.

Tell.

Watch.

How can you look at this? These images are very daring.

It is not for your age, but take a quick glance.

- Look at that. - I saw it already.

Happiness, one must profit from it.

These are strange and free people.

It's fascinating, look.

I saw it already.

What a hypocrite!

Come, so I can finish your braids.

Can I have my ball back?

You can't say hello, Remy?

Yeah. Dibor, Mossane, hello.

Leave my cousin alone.

Remy, take your ball.

I bet what you're sewing is a gift for Diogoye.

Is it silk?

Braid my hair.

Diogoye is still working at the Concorde Lafayette?

Stop it.

They say that the University is on strike!

That's enough, be quiet.

- What do you think of my braids? - They're lovely.

It's mother.

This magazine's coming back with me,

All my friends saw it. I collect them.

- Mossane! - Yes, mother.

Quickly, call your uncle Baak.

Hello, Dibor.

Hello, Aunt Mingue.

I'm back, say hello to your uncle.

Say hello to grandmother Mam and your husband Daouda.

- Can I come with you, Mossane? - Yes, come.

I can accompany you, Remy?

Remy and Petit Pele believe they are the only ones who love Mossane.

As soon as they see her, they follow her, and the game is over.

Hello.

Look at this bull for the ceremony,

it's the head of the herd who is sacrificed.

You're lying, it's for Maissa Waly Dione's party,

who founded our village.

Mam, what are you doing in this heat?

I'm looking for roots to heal my eyes.

Is that you, my dear Mossane?

- I need these roots. - Come back to the village,

Dibor will worry.

Hello.

Wait for me here.

What is it?

He refuses to swallow and his stomach is hard.

Are you at peace, my uncle?

Only peace.

What is happening?

Mother sent me to look for you,

my brother is sick.

I cannot leave, patients are waiting.

Tell them I will come before the sun sets,

send my greetings

and tell her that I am praying for her.

Look!

This horn gets rid of the pain.

We certainly need a road here.

We certainly need a road here.

It is sure that it would be more convenient.

1 o'clock. Put on the news.

They should have paid the grants before throwing us out of our homes.

The day when your "bush tam-tam" announces the end of the strikes,

The day when your "bush tam-tam" announces the end of the strikes,

The day when your "bush tam-tam" announces the end of the strikes,

The day when your "bush tam-tam" announces the end of the strikes,

- let us know. - No problem.

- let us know. - No problem.

Moss!

It's Fara! It's Ndiack!

Cousin, you've grown!

- Monte. - It's Remy!

My cousin has grown.

I missed you.

Close your eyes.

Long live happiness,

and look ahead, horse.

Close your eyes, It's night time.

Fara is here! Ndiack came back!

I am going to my parents

they won't be happy about the strike.

I will try to explain to them.

I am happy to see you again.

Me too.

Mother.

Where did you come from?

I was...

They saw you in a cart with Fara.

I am sending you to your uncle and you're dawdling. Pay attention!

Greetings, Farba.

Baak, I did not hear you come in.

All of Mbissel knows that when Farba beats the iron,

We hear nothing and see no more.

Welcome. Come in, your sister is waiting.

Thank you.

Bring a van.

Baak...

What should I do for my son?

To which alter do we pray?

Which animal do we sacrifice?

In him,

I hear "the voice of the heart and the voice of the spirit".

It is a cruel language

that we must destroy.

There are things to confess and things to hide.

Oh the All-Mighty!

Oh Maissa Waly Dione our first monarch!

Oh Maissa Waly Dione our first monarch!

Oh Beep, ancestral tree!

Accept our offerings.

Oh Beep, ou generous divinity

Oh Nganiane that flows under your shadow!

We salute you

Oh Beep, our generous divinity

Oh Nganiane that flows under your shadow!

We salute you

We ask for peace.

Beep, ancestral spirit

help us, and bring us rain.

We ask for peace.

Beep, we honour you

Bring the offerings!

Amen...

First ancestor,

you will never be forgotten.

Oh Beep, generous divity

Oh Nganiane that flows under your shadow

We salute you

Accept this millet, we ask for water.

Accept this rice, we ask for rain.

Accept this milk, we ask for water.

You won't catch me...

No, stop.

Sit still.

We will each have our own turn.

The ceremony is not over.

Sit still.

I ask for forgiveness from God for this knife.

Maissa, we offer this bull.

We wish for a goof wintering

And for rain to flood the whole country.

Maissa, brother of Sognane, give us a good harvest

Oh Maissa Waly of Mbissel continue to guide us

Oh spirit of the shadowed country,

Oh ancestor, in the village we worship you

We fill you altar with goods

Dinner is ready, my brother Ngor has eaten.

- Are you at peace? - Nothing but peace.

It is hot out,

drink.

Drink.

Finally.

You held your shape well.

Especially here and there.

Do not cook to much, the smoke will spoil your face.

Welcome and eat well.

We judge women by their cooking.

Mossane grew.

The thiep is delicious.

That fabric suits you well, whoever chose it has good taste.

I've eaten enough.

Eat.

By the way, how is Diogoye?

My old friend, I am eating well,

I have made myself at home,

Diogoye on the contrary...

I beg in the name of the children of the world.

Have pity, I am hungry.

Take care of this kid.

Bad omen on this day.

Food is rare, I beg.

Have pity, I am hungry.

May God illuminate your life. May he favour you.

Oh you who once again takes up your wandering

You traverse the river banks

You face the sounds

Oh little beggar, where is your mother?

Oh lonely beggar what path do you follow?

Beggar, wandering from bank to bank what are you searching for?

Beggar of the savannah, who is following you?

Dibor!

I'm coming, stay.

I must go, my friend comes,

she is still a child.

You are there?

Is that you, Mossane?

- Yes. - Enter.

The caress, soft and penetrating, has ravished my body.

Tell me.

My husband, Daouda...

I came to speak to you of Fara, of him only.

When Daouda returns from the fields,

worn out by work

and when I wear my loincloth,

his vigour returns.

And when I ride him,

my heart jumps like a drumstick on a tam-tam.

I am going to shower.

Put on this garment.

Leave me alone.

Tell me. How can I be with Fara without getting in trouble?

My dear, lovers exist!

Fara can rub you with the tip of his sex,

softly,

and pleasure will rise from your clitoris.

- What are you talking about? - The important thing,

is to be safe,

you especially. Forbid him from one thing:

to "fall into your sea".

What are you trying to say?

Aunt Mingue asked me to see if you were with Dibor.

This child never greets us.

Yeah. Dibor, Mossane, hello.

What is going on?

It's Fara who sends me.

He is waiting at my place or rather at my brother Ndiack's.

My parents are out.

- Did you tell my mother? - I am not crazy.

Who is crazy?

He wants to take me to the islands of Saloum, only you can help me.

Go with him, make use of the strike,

Mam will take care of Tante Mingue.

What are you saying, Dibor?

Mam, when God gives me a child,

boy or girl, I will call it Mossane.

One look from you and I forget hunger, thirst, solitude.

Come sit.

As soon as I see you,

my heart jumps.

Know that my heart is yours alone.

I can feel my heart, which loves you, beating.

Your beauty follows me everywhere,

night and day.

Me too, I love you.

Don't go. I hope I haven't disturbed you.

No, I was leaving.

Mother, I am feeling better.

In a few days we will see...

You can throw away uncle Baak's powders and roots,

I feel better.

How are you?

Better, I am sure.

- I am better. - You are healed.

Again your never-ending games.

I am telling you that I am better.

You're starting again, be quiet.

I have finished tidying up, I will go now.

No, leave me, stop.

Tomorrow you will go to the field with your father.

Stay with me.

Come rub my back.

That's enough, thank you.

You are so beautiful.

What a sillhouette, what passion!

My most beautiful,

the man who will marry you will be most satisfied.

I have been alive for only 14 winters and already you think of this.

At your age I was already with your father.

Listen well:

The youth of today do not know how to choose,

they follow their emotions that bring them often towards only short-lived happiness.

I do not understand.

Truly!

One can learn to love.

One gets used to a partner and ends up loving them

Come, you are my friend...

let us get som fresh air in the shadows of the almond trees.

We are friends, we understand each other.

My Mossane.

You stick to me like a baby.

It's over, you are a young woman.

When I was your age, I was beautiful too.

Good evening.

Are you at peace?

Good evening, Sitor.

Good evening, Senghane.

Mingue,

Diouf.

- How are you? - Very well, thank you.

Our star, how is she?

Very well.

Mossane, why do you never come to see me?

For what reason?

Mother,

as soon as we are together, someone comes to bother us.

My son, my seed,

swear on your placenta and tell me that you love me.

I want Mossane for my wife,

I swear it by my father's belt.

"The department of information" is coming.

I am the family's griot and I confirm it.

We missed you. Did you forget us?

How could that be possible? Your family and mine are linked.

Have you ever seen a buffalo lose it's way to the trough?

Or a monkey forget wherethe tree with the most delicious fruits is?

Greetings, Mingue.

Go get him something to drink.

What are they saying the village?

Everyone is speaking of her. May she be kept safe from

their cruel words and evil eyes.

Amen.

- Did you learn anything else? - As usual.

Old Senghane confided in me,

he wants his son to marry Mossane.

He just came by our shop.

- I know. - What did you tell him?

Listen.

Listen to me well,

sometimes it is better to agree than to give your advice.

sometimes it is better to agree than to give your advice.

What do you think, Sitor?

The family is comes from a good background...

But, you might say the family is penniless,

I am placing all my hopes in Mossane.

You are right. What should I say?

In my opinion, it is better to get a good placement,

or else you'll ruin it when you eat your couscous.

But be patient, woman, chosen one, the great hat will appear.

I am depending on my daughter.

You are right to.

Let me confirm:

God did you a favour in giving you Mossane,

the incomparable beauty.

Look at that smile.

- How are you? - Good evening.

How are you?

Look at this...

What youth!

These young people are neither meat nor fish.

Neither faith nor law.

Mingue!

What's going on?

I cannot rest any longer.

I am worried.

Have faith.

Do not cry.

If we do not bind them,

Ngor will stay stuck

Ngor Mossane...

they must pass on from sleep to dreams

and from dreams to reality,

because between them there is an unlikely friendship

and their relationship is suspicious.

We live in a world of temptation.

And all this, it is you, their mother,

who dreamed of it during one of your pregnancies.

You no longer need to remember, as it was a long time ago.

We will continue...

our discussion.

I must tell you:

my niece is so beautiful that her brother is in love with her.

We must put an end to it.

Have pity!

None would accept such a curse in their family.

Her beauty has created conflicts

and discordance.

We must fnd her a husband quickly.

Understand?

Sure.

Have faith,

the spirits and the ancestors predict only good things.

Perform the ceremony far from the village,

in the bush,

at a crossroads

where the winds of the East, West,

North, and South meet

and you will return order.

I am going.

Stop and listen to me.

I have come to speak to you.

Today itself, all evil must be eliminated

so that the wicked words will quieten.

You grew up together, too close,

but your friendship is beyond belief.

Put your right foot forawrd

as the left brings sadness.

Ancestors,

accept this offering.

their uncle predicted

that afterwards, we will sleep well.

Til tomorrow, children.

I will offer this animal skin

to the kids who will grill it.

I'm afraid.

Don't be afraid, I'm here.

Look at me.

I want to look into your eyes until you go blind.

Peace! I ask for peace of my ancestors,

that everything will finish in peace.

Drink!

Drink.

Leave.

Come get dressed.

I have aches and pains.

Fill the hole then go rest.

I smell the fresh winter air,

the hope of a good harvest.

As for you,

you will live with your uncle to continue your treatment.

I'll drive you.

Come in, Mr. Teacher.

Sit down.

My son Diogoye

who works abroad at the Concorde Lafayette,

has sent me this letter.

Here are the photographs.

The housecoat he is wearing here, he sent it to me,

it is in my trunk.

He's a generous son, serious,

who helps us a lot.

who helps us a lot.

He says: "Dear Father... ",

I hope this letter finds the whole family

in good health.

He says that he works a lot

and when burdened by solitude, he returns to his room.

He also says that after thinking on his desires over the year,

he has decided to speak to you.

Mossane had been promised to him since her birth

and the moment has come for him to marry her.

he says: Father...

he is leaving everything to you

so that you may start off the necessary procedures.

He says that he thanks you for everything.

He says that he will send you

everything necessary for the wedding

plus a money order for the dowry.

He says he is speaking to his mother

and that he is counting on you.

The long awaited day has finally arrived.

No other girl from the village could have done better.

Thank you, Mr. Teacher.

I will call you once I respond to him.

With pleasure, good bye.

I will go see Farba Diouf.

- How much for this chicken? - 1000 F.

Look at this.

And this one?

- How much? - 500.

- How much for this? - 100 F.

- And this? - 200.

And this?

Why, it's Dame Ndour!

- Faye. - Ndour.

Diogoye is to marry Mossane?

Certainly.

Is that you, Mingue?

Greedy woman, she touches everything but buys nothing.

- Diouf. - Faye.

How is Samba?

He has been gone since tonight.

- How is Mossane? - She is well.

Still stunning as ever!

I must go quickly to finish my cooking before Samba returns.

This letter is a godsend!

Hello.

Mossane must follow the path etched out for her by her parents.

It is not fair or just, good bye.

Oh Mossane, the Pangools praise you for your beauty

Your beauty which none can resist

rivalries and fights, Mossane!

Mossane wants to love

and we drown her love

in stories of cash and "given words".

We construct these ploys

without asking for her opinion.

It's not acceptable! We will fight.

Today, we have only couscous,

there is no rest, nothing.

Go rest, do not worry.

Calm down, I will talk to Mingue.

This will be joy for Mother Mingue.

I envy Mossane as Diogoye has a full wallet.

Mossane has the most beautiful house.

All of their money comes from Diogoye.

How's it going?

Wait, little one, I will help you.

Hold on, it's heavy.

Mossane's parents are vultures.

As long as Fara gives a child to Mossane,

Diogoye will be done!

Stand up Mingue,

there is no time to waste.

Diogoye is security itself.

We could not hope for a better proposal.

When one has a cow, one must milk it.

Diogoye was the one I was waiting for.

Samba,

my faithful griot,

I will cover you in bank notes.

Did you feel the earth Mossane and her father stand on?

My husband has only one thing to say:

"clear water will only mix with clear water".

Mossane is the problem.

Once, jokingly, I told her, "I've found you a husband. "

she looked at me,

straight in my eyes,

she retorted: Mother, do you think things happen the way you want them to?

Really?

It's not so bad, she has grown,

this is the start of adolescence,

the forming of personality.

My final decision will be made without her input.

That is obvious.

Try to learn more.

Sure.

Come, let's walk a little.

You want to steal my wife!

Stop, calm yourself.

- I'd walk all over your corpse. - Stop.

Calm down.

- Let's go. - I will kill you.

Let's go.

My son, he has humiliated us.

I am vulnerable.

I lost my mother very early

and i hoped...

Better to act than to hope!

In my day, we took the girl we liked.

They would sell their daughters to become richer,

it's pathetic.

Father, I swear to take Mossane,

that devilish beauty!

Young girl, noble pearl,

tell me, who is the lucky man, for whom your heart sighs?

Should I make my choice or follow my mother's pointed finger?

The youth of today

refuse to be a plough pulled by their elders.

I won't let up, I will choose.

You should know what I am about to say:

at just the thought of Fara

my heart beats like a butterfly caught in a spider's web.

When I see him my heart skips a beat.

You surprise me.

What will your mother and father think? What will the villagers say?

I am ready for their lack of respect.

I refuse to be a hyena, eating corpses.

And you, you are on their side.

Who, me? How?

Fights,

nothing but fights!

Do me a favour. I beg of you, tell Fara

that I will join him, that I must speak to him.

Join him! When, where?

Tell him, he will understand.

This is the end of the world.

The youths of today are constantly surprising us.

Mother,

My marriage is my own. I will marry the one I love, Fara.

Who?

Who?

Never in my life.

You had to marry a minister or a deputy!

Diogoye paid your debts, you're stuck.

You are exasperating.

Never again speak these devilish words in my home!

Damn you, barren earth.

You are useless.

Pangools, my ancestors,

I feel alone here.

Oh Mossane, you are alone on this earth

My punishment is to know you, so beautiful and so alone

Go! Faster, my horse.

Hey, don't eat that, give me my share.

Let's go see.

Help! Help!

Leave her!

When Mossane is not happy,

I am sad.

When she cries, I suffer.

One does not burn a tree bearing fruits.

I know, Mam.

Have pity for Mossane.

I promise.

May the Pangools protect us.

May our ancestors grant us peace.

He is going to mark.

How awkward!

My "bush tam-tam" has announced the end of the strike,

We can start our courses again soon.

Did they give you an exact date?

No.

Let us go!

You should have "finished your plate"

before fucking up this marriage.

You, my friend,

you, cousin of Mossane,

you speak this way!

What can I give to Mossane?

How can we repay everything Mossane's parents

received from Diogoye?

I have nothing, nothing at all.

I am a poor student.

Tell the truth:

Mossane's parents are mine too,

for their security and comfort they sell her.

It is not moral.

Ndiack, when the earth no longer feeds humans,

there are no morals.

Sene, long-eared rabbit with a short tail and eagle claws!

Where is Diokel's friend?

Your stomach full of food is shining.

I have been fasting for two days.

I ate nothing, nothing at all.

You're joking!

Fasting is the burden of the stingy,

they do it to save money.

Those with full bodies,

full and fat

only do it one time per year,

and again... because they hate fasting.

Praise God.

Together we have acquired arms for the village

We lived through the agony of the weary huts of the initiated.

Parents of amusment, we grew up together.

Shake my hand.

this hand which is

brotherly and friendly.

A brotherly and friendly fist, I confirm it!

And between our sons!

How are your studies?

Tell me again what you're studying.

Agronomics.

Ag...

I will never be able to pronouce this word.

So many years of youthfulness

lost to the university in learning how to become a peasant!

There are only three years left, Father.

I almost forgot:

Mossane wanted me to tell you that she will be waiting in the usual place.

If you ask me, you should stop seeing her.

Answer my question:

Is the earthenware pot rubbed against stone?

They haven't taught me about this.

I never mistreated her.

You are right, my son.

Mossane is wihout equal!

Happiness is neither night nor day.

One must avoid suspicion and conflic

as my feelings are pure.

It could happen to anyone.

Mother Mingue...

chose Diogoye, the immigrant, the nouveau riche.

I am but a student.

I am the intruder to be eliminated.

We will see.

Fara,

how are you?

It's Mossane who sends me,

she said not to wait, she cannot come out.

Here, drink.

Try to calm down. Lie down a bit.

Why am I still alive?

Maybe I should run away.

I never thought Mossane was capable of rebelling.

Diogoye solved all of our problems because he loves Mossane.

Speak to me

instead of hiding behind your cloak.

It is true that we are stuck,

but Diogoye will be a good husband.

I am dizzy,

I can feel once more

the pain of childbirth.

I feel myself becoming an orphan again like when I was born.

It was to avoid this

that I pulled Mossane from school after she received her certificate,

because school gives our children, a bastardised education.

They leave us and never arrive at their destination.

They become eternal wanderers

and a certain proverb describes them well:

"An ass cannot sit on two horses at once,

Without the risk of being torn in two".

I will go ahead as planned, to finish with everything,

the marriage will be celebrated, kola eaten

and order will be returned.

Truth be told, you're responsible,

the head of the whole ceremony.

Weren't you told?

You understood, woman,

my mouth must rest to be in shape.

The event is starting.

You'll always amaze me.

Baak is coming.

Baak is coming.

My brother is here.

Welcome, I'm delighted.

Welcome, I'm delighted.

The guests are arriving.

The party will be great!

The party will be great!

My daughter is truly made of gold!

Welcome, my in-laws.

Some atmosphere!

A moment of silence.

Sorry.

Only one strong arm is capable of

lifting 100 kg of rice, and you can see that.

All the young girls are jealous of you, Mossane

because you have everything. Congratulations.

Diogoye is generous.

He stayed sane

in that foreign country.

If he had taken to alcohol, drugs,

he would never have remembered his promise

and would not have married you today.

Open up your ears and eyes!

"Rinse" your eyes,

admire it:

Diogoye sent Mossane's dowry.

And...

a sewing machine,

a gold wrist watch.

This trunk is filled with clothes

and finery, chosen by Diogoye especially for Mossane.

These 25000 francs

for the father's sisters and the mother's sisters.

These 50000 francs

for Mossane's preparations.

for Mossane's preparations.

Diogoye is good,

He never,

He never forgot us.

For the elders, for their prayers for the youths of the village.

And you,

without you there would not be this atmosphere.

This is for you, my griot parents.

This is for you, wife of Samba.

Pin it

I cannot say but good things

and it is not the first time.

Your generosity is well known

throughout the whole village.

You've made your mark and we will not forget this day.

This day carries your seal.

You didn't fail the tradition of our two families.

I salute you.

I thank you

and I salute you.

You see!

Your noble father had offered a mare to my family.

Mingue, I thank you again.

You're only perpetuating behaviour that you'll bequeath to you children.

Long live Mossane

and to Diogoye, who is abroad,

May he be safe. May his marriage be blessed.

For you Mingue, I dance and sing

Flesh and the heart go together.

Flesh without heart, that's impossibe.

I would throw myself down a well.

Calme down, don't say that.

Father and Mother put a stop to my studies, which would have enabled me to live alone

and wait for the man I love.

I want nothing of him.

Take it all.

Look, it's beautiful, isn't it?

Look, it's beautiful, isn't it?

Look how thin you've gotten. In your place I would kill myself.

Father and Mother, allow me to speak

even if it goes against tradition.

We have no interest in your thoughts.

Daughter-in-law, I would like to know what you have to say.

Thank you, Aunt.

If the marriage was a case of bank notes,

I would accept your choice.

I refuse to be cornered by this wolf pack.

No one consulted me.

My heart does not love Diogoye.

Give him back the dowry.

Tell him that the marriage will not take place.

I told you you'll marry him.

You will be showered and shaved.

If not I will damn you.

Dear guests,

listen to me:

every family has a chief

and you see one before you now.

My speech has been given

and I respect all speeches.

Mossane, you will marry Diogoye

as you have been promised to him since birth.

Honour comes before sentiment.

- You are marrying off your daughter? - I am marrying Mossane.

She will wed my son Diogoye.

- You agree? - Yes.

This amount for the procedure...

This for putting it out.

This for the mother,

this for the father,

this for the mosque.

Ever since Adam and Eve we must marry.

Ever since Adam and Eve we must marry.

I celebrate the marriage of Mossane and Diogoye

in the way their parents would want.

I bless this marriage.

Diogoye wants his wife to join him by the next moon.

Ndiack, are you there?

Where is Fara?

Is that you?

They all left, the strike is over.

Help!

The heat makes everyone stay awake?

Have you seen Mossane?

Since dusk my heart has been tense.

By god where is she?

Where could she be at this hour? In the blind of night?

Is she at her cousin Ndiack's?

Ndiack went back to the University.

Where could Mossane have gone?

Diokel,

where is Mossane?

Fara left for University.

Remember:

Siga daughter of Léona,

Yacine of Dioffior!

All were present before their wedding...

All were present, bringing their virtue with them.

Mossane has left.

Who chose our village

and left Mossane on its shores?

Glittering pearl in the marketplace

Sweet calabash, so fresh and fragile

Under the blue sky like a palm tree

With her haughty bouquet of leaves before her axe

Oh Mossane, Splendid emblem of the sun

No one runs to your aid

Destiny has made us deaf to your distress

Oh Mossane,

In our songs

Your ever glorious face

Oh "Pearl of Mbissel"

Beaten in youth

Roog had said

that you would be only 14 winters in age

Remember this day

A cloud of dust envelopped Mbissel

Mossane sister of Ngor, rests

Mossane sister of Ngor, rests

It is the end of your night

Who chose our village

and left you on its shores, Mossane?