Feature Film
The Sacred Cave

La Grotte sacrée


US Premiere

Saturday, January 27
2:15pm
FIAF Florence Gould Hall

Ages 8+

Dir. Daniel Minlo, Cyrille Masso, 2023, Cameroon, Color. 100 min.
Voice by Andre’ Bang, Diallo Diallo, Gérard Essomba
In French with English subtitles

In competition, 2023 BFI London Film Festival
and 2023 Festival Annecy International Animated Film Festival

In the heart of Africa’s equatorial forest, the king of Mabunos is poisoned by one of his subjects. Two close aids of the palace are tasked with traveling to a sacred cave in search of an antidote that will cure their ruler—and they only have seven days to succeed before he perishes. Throughout their vibrantly illustrated journey, they encounter spectacles and obstacles that defy explanation. The film, from Cameroonian directors Daniel Minlo and Cyrille Masso, is steeped in legend, lore, and sprawling scenescapes, and enjoyed a well-received showing at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival.

Introduction by Boukary Sawadogo, Professor of Cinema Studies at City College and CUNY Graduate Center.

Trailer