Film evening: Dahomey, a documentary on artefacts looted in the colonial era

This summer's film screenings at the EESC continue with the screening of a Golden Bear winner which looks at France's efforts to confront its colonial past and make restitution. The film screenings are organised in collaboration with the LUX European Audience Film Award.

The European Economic and Social Committee has hosted the screening of Dahomey, a documentary by director Mati Diop and winner of the Golden Bear at the 74th Berlin Film Festival. 

Dahomey tells the story of the return of 26 royal treasures, stolen by French colonial troops in 1892, from Paris to present-day Benin. For some students at the University of Abomey-Calavi, France's restitution efforts are seen as a drop in the ocean given the number of artefacts yet to be repatriated to their countries of origin.

French-Senegalese director Diop, known for the film Atlantique ('Atlantics'), which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, has masterfully woven elements of fiction into Dahomey, creating an immersive experience for the viewer.

The EESC regularly hosts film screenings as part of its ongoing support for European cinema and ongoing appreciation of the creative industries. Nominated for the 2025 LUX European Audience Film Award, Dahomey was shown on 15 July at the EESC's Citizens' Auditorium. (cwb)