Buud Yam

Fifteen years ago, Kaboré created a furore with Wend Kuuni, one of the most popular African films of all time. The hero of the title, at that time a boy whose mother was stoned as a witch, has now grown up in Buud Yam. ‘Flashbacks’ from the previous film explain how he was brought up by his adoptive parents.The story is set in the early nineteenth century, deep in the heart of Africa, on the beautiful banks of the River Niger. Wend Kuuni goes in search of a healer for his sister Pughneere, who has an unknown disease. The villagers’ accusing fingers point his way, so he fears he will suffer the same fate as his mother. On a journey, he falls asleep on horseback and encounters a vagabond who turns out to be a prince. When he awakes from his dream, Wend Kuuni looks at the world with greater insight.Kaboré is a masterful teller of African folk tales. Without having to make undue haste, he easily manages to retain the viewer’s attention. In very clear images, Kaboré tells his folk story about growing up, seeking his own identity and accepting the fact that everyone is different.