Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

1948 0h 22m EN

🤯

10.0

MASTERPIECE

★10.0TMDB · 1

Documentary

Synopsis

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Filmed in Firgoun, Niger, the film documents an initiation ceremony in which a young Songhay woman undergoes ritual preparation for the dance of possession. Led by zima (ritual priests), the ganandi ceremony teaches the structured movements and ritual practices required for participation in spirit possession rites associated with Kirey, the spirit of thunder. The film records the process through which the initiate is prepared to serve as a ceremonial medium within the community’s ritual tradition.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Jean Rouch
Languages: French
Countries: France, Niger

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

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Fun facts 🍿

1 / 6

RUNTIME

Did you know

Tight 22-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 6

ERA

Did you know

78 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 6

WORLD

Did you know

International production across 2 countries: France, Niger.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 6

ERA

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 6

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0210123 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 6

WILD

Did you know

Only 1 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Jean Rouch directs. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in France, Niger. Dialogue in French.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Tight 22-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.
278 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
3International production across 2 countries: France, Niger.
4Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
5IMDB entry: tt0210123 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
6Only 1 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.