Incorruptible

Incorruptible is a captivating and thought-provoking 2015 documentary directed by the acclaimed film director, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, whose work is well-regarded for casting a lens on human rights and social justice issues across the globe. The movie focuses on the sociopolitical landscape of Senegal, a small West African nation known for its vibrant music, art, and culture. It specifically hones in on Senegal's 2012 presidential election, thereby effectually expanding viewers' consciousness and understanding of the world.

The primary narrative of Incorruptible revolves around the end of Abdoulaye Wade's presidency. Wade, who was a charismatic and influential leader, became president of Senegal in 2000 and launched several promising initiatives but progressively began taking on autocratic tendencies. The film comprehensively documents the upheaval and crisis that erupted in Senegal when Wade sought a controversial third term in the office, despite the constitutional limit of two terms.

The film masterfully combines scenes of political tension and unrest with interviews from a wide range of perspectives, including politicians, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. It presents a significant narrative about the importance of democracy and the struggles many nations face in maintaining its integrity.

One of the cornerstone elements that stand out in Incorruptible is the role of the youth. The film pays special tribute to a youth-led political movement known as Y'en a Marre ("Fed Up"). These were young people from different backgrounds - rappers, journalists, and activists - united in their exasperation with Wade's regime and his attempt to amend the constitution to stay in power. Their ground-breaking role in the protests and their use of music and social media platforms to rouse and mobilize the citizens, particularly the youth, is a narrative thread that is gripping and inspiring.

Also scrubbed under the lens in the movie is the citizen watchdog group "M23," another significant entity in the push for free and fair elections against the backdrop of a corrupt system. Together with Y'en a Marre, these entities become the voice of people, articulating their disappointment, frustration, and weariness with a leadership that seemed to be growing increasingly remote and self-centered.

Incorruptible also casts light on the influential role of Senegal’s traditional wrestling culture in its social and political fabric. The wrestlers, usually people with a significant fan following, were used by politicians for political campaigning. However, as the political climate evolved, so did their alliances and their influences played a crucial role in shaping public opinion.

Vasarhelyi's film, Incorruptible, is many things – it’s a political drama, a stimulating history lesson, a hopeful narrative of resilience, and a celebration of Senegal's vivacious culture and youthful energy. As you watch the events unfold, you get a palpable sense of the angst and the determination of a people and their fight to bring about change. What emerges is a compelling tapestry of a pivotal period in Senegalese politics, demonstrating the possibilities of peaceful resistance and the power of the voice of the people.

The documentary is beautifully shot, complementing the narration with stunning visuals of Senegal, its people, their daily lives, and their culture. What's more, the traditional Senegalese music weaved into the documentary gives an added dimension to the film's intrinsic appeal, enhancing the storytelling musical notes, rhythms, and lyrics.

Incorrigible is not just a film about a country's struggle to uphold democracy. It’s a testament to the endurance, spirit, and tenacity of its people. Their courage to question authority, demand their rights, and their faith in change is a vital lesson in the power of collective action and unity. It impeccably details how a nation embroiled in political crisis moved from ‘I’ to ‘We,’ in an inspiring journey that changed the course of their history.

In essence, Incorruptible demonstrates the unstoppable tide of a population determined to uphold democracy and justice. It preserves a significant time in Senegal's political history and presents it to the world, shedding light on universal themes of power, corruption, resistance, and the enduring spirit of democracy. This film, therefore, is not only an invaluable resource for understanding Senegal's contemporary history but also a beacon of hope and resistance for societies facing similar struggles across the globe.