Philippe Lacôte Returns with "The Night of Kings"
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Loading... - Simo Essuma
- 24 Dec 2024
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French-Ivorian director Philippe Lacôte is back with his second film, The Night of Kings, a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of youth, violence, and tradition in contemporary Côte d'Ivoire. The film centers on Roman, a young member of the notorious "microbes" gang, who finds himself imprisoned in Abidjan's infamous La Maca jail. Under the coercive influence of the gang leader, Blackbeard, Roman is compelled to tell stories to his fellow inmates, choosing to recount the tale of the Zama King—an outlaw who traverses the landscape of Ivory Coast through both space and time.
Lacôte describes Zama as a real historical figure, a gang leader who was lynched and notorious for his criminal activities in Abidjan. The "microbes," comprised of youth aged 8 to 18, are depicted as violent gangs that wreak havoc in the working-class neighborhoods of Abidjan, often armed with machetes and knives. Lacôte emphasizes that this portrayal is rooted in reality, noting that these gangs are sometimes utilized by authorities as a militia to suppress opposition.
Through The Night of Kings, Lacôte aims to paint a vivid picture of Ivorian society, where each character embodies aspects of the current social landscape. La Maca prison holds personal significance for the director, as his mother was once incarcerated there as a political prisoner. This backdrop informs his exploration of youth caught in a political vice, reflecting on the historical context of Côte d'Ivoire since the era of Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
"What interests me is always to show this youth that is a bit caught in a political vice," Lacôte explains. He highlights the ongoing struggles for power among leaders tied to ethnic groups, complicating the political landscape and leaving the youth vulnerable to manipulation in these conflicts.
The Night of Kings is crafted like a thriller, blending sharp realism with spectacular special effects to depict a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The film is screening out of competition at the 77th Venice Film Festival, marking a significant return to the cinematic stage following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lacôte's work not only entertains but also provokes thought about the socio-political dynamics in Côte d'Ivoire, making The Night of Kings a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by the nation's youth amidst a turbulent political climate.
