Faat Kine

Faat Kine directed by Ousmane Sembene works to bring up many major issues such as family, women’s rights, education, and social class. I believe this film to be a perfect example as to what postcolonialism really entails through African countries, especially Senegal. The main concept behind postcolonialism is the fact that many of these African countries have been unable to veer away from the European western culture even though they have made an independence from them already. These African countries are still struggling with the many issues that arose while they were under the control of the Europeans. Although we can still see some of the characteristics of postcolonialism we can also see how Kine is working to improve and move away from those characteristics through the lives of her children. One of the most focused on aspects for Kine throughout the film is her obsession with her children obtaining a baccalaureate. She becomes so obsessed and infatuated with them obtaining it because she never got the chance to do it herself. We see overall themes of Kine working to improve herself and become more successful each and every day. The overall take away from the film can be seen as an empowerment to women and how they are evolving just like Kine. Sembene makes this known through the use of many different aspects such as how Kine carries herself with confidence, her conspicuous body language and is also put into far more extravagant costuming than other characters. What is interesting and intrigues me the most is the idea that Sembene allows Faat Kine to not only relate to African American women, but anyone, at least I believe so. It goes to show that no matter your past you can still rebuild yourself and become successful if you have the work ethic and willingness to.