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The Mad Masters

The Mad Masters

A Short film by Jean Rouch

Produced by Les Films de la Pléiade

Production year : 1954

    Synopsis

    Emigrants from Nigeria’s poorest areas come to Accra, the capital city on the Gold Coast, and have to brave the busy and bustling life of Western civilization. This uprooting gives rise to psychological problems and the appearance of new divinities, the "Hauka" which reflect that civilization’s influence. The Hauka headquarters are located in the salt market. One day, all the sect members go into the bush for the big annual ceremony. After being introduced to a new initiate, the "Hauka" make a public confession that is followed by a purification sacrifice. They dance and are possessed by the Gods "Governor", "General", "Major", "Lieutenant", "Locomotive Driver". A dog is sacrificed and its meat is cooked and consumed. At dusk, the possessions cease. Next day, we find the possessed calm and smiling, back at their usual jobs in Accra. Thanks to this ritual, they have found a way to integrate into the collective life of society.

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    Production and distribution (2)

    Executive Producer :

    Les Films de la Pléiade

    Film exports/foreign sales :

    Les Films du Jeudi

    Photos

    Full credits (5)

    Executive Producer :

    Pierre Braunberger

    Screenwriter :

    Jean Rouch

    Narration Writer :

    Jean Rouch

    Sound Recordist :

    Damouré Zika

    Editor :

    Suzanne Baron

    Technical details

    Short film

    Genres :

    Documentary

    Themes :

    Ethnography

    Original French-language productions :

    Unspecified

    Nationality :

    100% French

    Production year :

    1954

    Runtime :

    26 min

    Visa number :

    19171

    Visa issue date :

    31/12/1956

    Color type :

    Color

    Aspect ratio :

    1.37

    Audio format :

    Mono