The Mad Masters
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.
Credits
Director (1)
Production and distribution (2)
- Executive Producer : Les Films de la Pléiade
- Film exports/foreign sales : Les Films du Jeudi
Full credits (5)
- Executive Producer : Pierre Braunberger
- Screenwriter : Jean Rouch
- Editor : Suzanne Baron
- Sound Recordist : Damouré Zika
- Narration Writer : Jean Rouch
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Technical details
- Type : 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
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Selections (1)
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