Xala

Xala

123 mins | Comedy | Oct. 1, 1975

It is the dawn of Senegal's independence from France, but as the citizens celebrate in the streets we soon become aware that only the faces have changed. White money still controls the government. One official, Aboucader Beye, known by the title "El Hadji," takes advantage of some of that money to marry his third wife, to the sorrow and chagrin of his first two wives and the resentment of his nationalist daughter. But he discovers on his wedding night that he has been struck with a "xala," a curse of impotence. El Hadji goes to comic lengths to find the cause and remove the xala, resulting in a scathing satirical ending.

Xala

123 mins | Comedy | Oct. 1, 1975

Xala
It is the dawn of Senegal's independence from France, but as the citizens celebrate in the streets we soon become aware that only the faces have changed. White money still controls the government. One official, Aboucader Beye, known by the title "El Hadji," takes advantage of some of that money to marry his third wife, to the sorrow and chagrin of his first two wives and the resentment of his nationalist daughter. But he discovers on his wedding night that he has been struck with a "xala," a curse of impotence. El Hadji goes to comic lengths to find the cause and remove the xala, resulting in a scathing satirical ending.
IMDb rating 6.7
Producers Films Domireew, Ste. Me. Production du Senegal
Original title Xala
Directors Ousmane Sembène
Writers Ousmane Sembène

Cast

Thierno Leye

as Hadji Aboucader Beye

Myriam Niang

as Rama (as Miriam Niang)

Seune Samb

as Adja Assatu, Beye's wife

Fatim Diagne

as Saleslady / Secretary

Younouss Seye

as Aram, Second Wife

Mustapha Ture

as The Client

Iliamane Sagna

as Modu, El Hadji's chauffeur

Dieynaba Niang

as La Badiene

Makhouredia Gueye

as Minister Kebe

Farba Sarr

as Business Man / Businessman

Mamadou Sarr

as Business Man / Businessman

Abdoulaye Seck

as Businessman

Douta Seck

as Gorgui

Youssou N'Dour

as Star Band de Dakar