Tall as the Baobab Tree

Tall as the Baobab Tree is an enthralling 2012 film set in Senegal and focuses on themes of tradition, modernity, education, and familial relationships, offering viewers a complex and heart-wrenching story of cultural clash and childhood innocence. The film features a brilliant cast of first-time actors from Senegal, including Alpha Dia, Cheikh Dia, and Mboural Dia. Directed by Jeremy Teicher, the film melds narrative storytelling with the appreciation of local culture and societal structure, revealing complex layers of societal norms and cultural values across its running time.

The film highlights the story of two sisters hailing from a deeply traditional rural community in Senegal where the pressures of modernity are maturing. It follows the elder sister, Coumba, played by Alpha Dia, who is privileged enough to attend school. This school experience proves to be life-changing for her and opens her eyes to the potential for a future beyond the confines of her rural lifestyle. It weaves an optimistic tapestry of new opportunities set against the backdrop of evolving Senegal, balancing hope of progress with the price paid for it.

Alpha Dia’s portrayal of Coumba is a testament to fierce and relentless sisterly love. Her desire to provide a better life for her younger sister, Debo, is depicted with breezy handling of her simplistic life but mounting conviction as circumstances escalate. Coumba’s determination and desperation to save Debo from an impending early marriage is a recurring sentiment that leaps off the screen.

Mboural Dia's portrayal of the younger sister, Debo, is equally riveting. She effectively captures the innocence of a child on the brink of a transformation that she is not ready for, eliciting a profound emotional response from the viewer. Almost oblivious to her impending fate, Debo’s character invites sympathy, mute admiration for her resilience, and anger at the unfairness of her situation.

The characters of Tall as the Baobab Tree are sympathetic figures who draw the audience into their life's twists and turns. These characters are interweaved with the striking visual beauty of rural Senegal, as well as its harsh realities. The narrative runs the gamut – from tender moments of sisterly love to the visibly uncomfortable acceptance of uncompromising traditions, to the maturity exhibited in dealing with the dilemma of choosing between family loyalty and individual happiness.

The film's director, Jeremy Teicher, artfully explores the increasingly present conflict between traditional and modern worlds. Through the eyes of two teenage sisters, we witness the real-world implications of a swiftly shifting cultural landscape. The film raises questions about progress, change, and the moral challenges that accompany them, leaving audiences with much to ponder.

Tall as the Baobab Tree powerfully blends the harsh realities of subsistence farming families with the rich cultural context, vividly encapsulating a snapshot of life that feels honest, real, and raw. Mention must also be made of the cinematography in the film; it captures the stark beauty of the Senegalese countryside, with many of its most powerful moments coming from static, quiet shots of the environment.

The screenplay eloquently brings out the essence of traditional Senegalese communities without exploiting them. The narrative unpacks many themes of struggle, aspirations, dreams, and the pure human will power to fight against all odds. It recounts an ordinary tale of an extraordinary spirit and a will that refuses to bow down in front of harsh societal norms.

The film also has a tenderness to it, perhaps enhanced by the fact that it was not performed by professional actors but by members of the rural community where it was set. The genuine performances of the cast add a degree of authenticity to the film's unfolding narrative.

In conclusion, Tall as the Baobab Tree is a masterfully shot film that adeptly highlights a struggle for change in a society held ransom by age-old traditions. It is a poignant narrative of hope and tenacity, featuring a cast who pour honest emotion into their roles. It offers a window into a world that most of its audience wouldn't even know existed.