Muna Moto

The story

Ngando, a poor young fisherman, loves Ndomé but cannot pay the bride price. His uncle, already married to three barren wives, is allowed to take Ndomé as his wife, though she is carrying Ngando's child. In despair, Ngando snatches his daughter on the day of the traditional festival and is arrested.

Why it matters

The title means 'the child of the other' in Duala. The film won the Étalon de Yennenga at FESPACO 1976, which the sources describe as Cameroon's only win to date. It criticises the bride price and the authority of elders, and its director said he could express 'only one fifth of what he felt' under the censorship of the Ahidjo regime. It was restored in 4K in 2019 by the Cineteca di Bologna and The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project.

Filming

Cameroon. The story is set in the Douala area: the climax takes place during the Ngondo festival, and the film ends at Douala's courthouse and central prison.

Awards and selections

• Étalon de Yennenga and OCIC prize, FESPACO 1976
• Silver Tanit, Carthage Film Days 1976
• Georges Sadoul Prize, France, 1975
• Official selection, Venice Film Festival 1975
• First prize, International Francophone Film Festival (Switzerland), 1975

Cast

• David Endéné — Ngando, the young fisherman
• Arlette Din Bell — Ndomé
• Philippe Abia — Mbongo, the uncle
• Gisèle Dikongué-Pipa — the child

What sources disagree on

The year varies between sources: 1975, when it was shown in Venice, or 1976, when it was released in France (26 May 1976).