Idrissa Ouedraogo's 1992 film took the Silver Bear at Berlin and then largely vanished from American screens; this new 4K restoration, scanned from the original 35mm and regraded by Cinegrell, is its North American theatrical premiere. A robber returns to his Burkinabe village, marries, opens a bar and waits for the past to arrive. If you have been meaning to fill in African cinema, this is the opening weekend to do it.
What to expect
A repertory audience and a picture that looks startlingly new - the restoration recovers the dust, light and color of Ouedraogo's village exteriors. Five showtimes a day means you can drop in on a whim rather than planning around one screening. Expect subtitles and a deliberate, unhurried pace.
Good to know
- 1 to 66th Street-Lincoln Center; the theaters are on West 65th Street
- Five daily showtimes make this the easiest film here to fit around other plans
- The film is subtitled, so pick a seat with a clear view of the lower screen
- Members get discounted tickets and earlier access to seats
- Best for anyone building out a world cinema education, not only festival regulars
- Theaters are wheelchair accessible with assistive listening available
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Common questions
Is this a new film?
No - it was made in 1992 and won the Silver Bear at the 1993 Berlinale. What is new is the 4K restoration, digitized from the original 35mm elements and regraded, receiving its North American theatrical premiere.
What is it about?
Samba Traoré is the sole surviving accomplice of a failed gas station robbery. He returns with the money to his village in Burkina Faso and builds a new life - marriage, a bar - while his past closes in.
How many showtimes are there?
Five per day across the weekend, spread from early afternoon into the evening, which makes it easy to slot around other Lincoln Center plans.
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