The Cemetery of Cinema

In The Cemetery of Cinema, Guinean filmmaker Thierno Souleymane Diallo sets out on a quest to find the lost film Mouramani. Made in 1953 and directed by Mamadou Touré, it holds an important part in film history as being the first made in Guinea and French-speaking Africa. It’s a movie that everyone Diallo speaks to has heard about, but nobody has seen, with it taking on an almost mythical presence throughout Diallo’s feature debut. His journey is an eye-opening insight into the history of African filmmaking that works as a thoughtful mediation on the power and fragility of cinema.

As his search progresses, the filmmaker discovers remnants of Guinea’s filmic past in the form of rundown cinemas and dusty cans of discoloured celluloid. He talks to those who worked in the industry and hears tales of film stock being destroyed and equipment being stolen for scrap. There are already plenty of stories of legendary lost films (London After Midnight being perhaps the most famous) that no longer exist; however, Diallo’s interviews reinforce just how easily cinema can disappear.

The “cemetery” in this feature’s title doesn’t only refer to the piles of abandoned film reels, it also draws attention to the changing landscape of the media. With more people in Guinea relying on television and home media to watch the movies they love, the documentary also questions if the cinematic experience is set to vanish too. It’s a fascinating question that’s just as applicable to Western cinema, but it’s one that’s only barely touched upon.

Alongside the decaying relics of Guinea’s film industry, Diallo’s search for the Holy Grail of Guinean cinema uncovers a universal passion for the moving image. Though those interviewed talk about watching films at home nowadays, they nevertheless share nostalgic memories of watching movies at cinemas when they were younger or reminisce about children climbing trees to catch a glimpse of whatever picture was showing. This communal spirit is evident when the director sets up an outdoor screening in a small village and allows children to take part in an action movie. The excitement is palpable and a testament to the magical shared experience of viewing a film with others.

While Cemetery of Cinema begins with Diallo searching for a lost film, this documentary expands into an absorbing exploration of the medium.

Andrew Murray

The Cemetery of Cinema does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Glasgow Film Festival 2024 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Glasgow Film Festival website here.