Xalé: An interview with filmmaker Moussa Sene Absa at London Film Festival 2022

Bringing to screen this poignant story, director and writer Moussa Sene Absa’s film Xalé (which means Child) details the upbringing of two teenage siblings, Awa and Adama, who live on the outskirts of Dakar. Following the death of their grandmother they move in with their uncle Atoumane, who is due to marry their cousin Fatou. She rejects his advances, sparking a catastrophic effect on the entire family that in time brings around an exploration of guilt and turmoil that is sensitively portrayed on screen. 

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking with Moussa Sene Absa about this story at the London Film Festival 2022. He unveiled to us the authenticity of his feature, using only Senegalese producers, crew and cast and what made him release this film as part of a trilogy of immersive storytelling. He also brings to light the abusive undercurrent that continues for girls in Africa as well as all over the world, the tragic consequences that follow and what he hopes this film will deliver for viewers. 

Ezelle Alblas

Xalé does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews and interviews from our London Film Festival 2022 coverage here.

For further information about the festival visit the official BFI website here.