At sunset, the magic begins. The evening is animated by dance performances, participatory theatre and entertainment activities, but also debates, testimonies and the screening of films. CinemArena empowers local communities through their active participation in the events and enhances social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue.
Abubacar tells his story: “The rebels ambushed us. They were all armed. They took us to a house and asked for our parents’ telephone number. They called the number and passed us the phone. Then they started beating us. Our parents heard the screaming and paid the ransom.”
Tall is 28 years old. When his father died he decided to undertake the journey that would take him to Europe to help his mother financially once arrived. Now Tall has a broken foot and many scars, when he tells his story, hundreds of eyes stop blinking and silence reigns. CinemArena, Mamou, 2020, Guinea.