Borom Sarret

Borom Sarret is a 1963 Senegalese drama short film crafted by the influential African filmmaker, Ousmane Sembene. Pioneering the rich storytelling characteristics of African cinema, this film acts as an illustration of complex social issues, wrapped in a seemingly simple narrative. Ly Abdoulay and Albourah are the primary actors, but the film also casts a unique light on Dakar, the bustling city that serves as the backdrop of the film, almost personifying it as a silent character itself.

Borom Sarret, translated to The Wagoner in English, tells the story of a day in the life of a horse cart driver in post-colonial Dakar, Senegal. It flaunts a humble runtime of just 18-minutes, yet encapsulates an entire spectrum of life, poverty, and isolation in that brief span. The protagonist, masterfully portrayed by Ly Abdoulay, is a poor cart driver navigating his way through the sweltering chaos and disparity of bustling Dakar, carrying with him a powerful contrast to the city’s dynamic pulse. Albourah also lends his theatrical prowess to support the film's compelling narrative.

This movie is much more than a biographical journey. It captures the piercing divide between the rich, who live in a newly built modern region of the city brimming with western influences, and the poor Senegalese proletariat class struggling with post-colonial hardships. The horse-cart driver embodies the latter; his poverty-stricken existence is in harsh contrast with his affluent clients, viewed through the lens of socioeconomic disparity.

Stylistically, Borom Sarret is a black and white film. The lack of bombastic colors hints at the bleak reality of a tormented post-colonial society while highlighting the dichotomy of civilization. In the seemingly mundane life of the cart driver, Sembene exposes the stark socio-economic gaps in society, effectively narrating a tale of understanding, hardship, and rejection. The dirty, narrow streets, the contrasting modern skyscrapers and old fashioned huts, bear witness to the grand tale being told.

The film’s title character, the Wagoner, struggles against the social inequities of a quickly modernizing Dakar. The city versus village, colonial versus post-colonial, and traditional versus modern conflicts are textured throughout the narrative. This film masterfully weaves these subtleties into its fabric, creating an engaging story that leaves you in a contemplative mood.

An incredible feature of Borom Sarret is its realistic portrayal of its characters; these are not actors playing people but people playing themselves. The characters embody the daunting spirit of survival in the harsh reality of their world. Their authenticity and raw emotion allow the viewer to immerse themselves into the lives of these characters fully, fostering a profound connection.

The film uses language as a powerful tool, employing the native Wolof dialect prominent in Senegal, further immersing us in its world. Audiences unfamiliar with the dialect might take advantage of subtitles, but the performances are so compelling that the basic human emotions they communicate often transcend the need for exact translation.

Ousmane Sembene’s apt direction brings an intimate, close-to-heart narrative to the forefront. His bold departure from European-centric storytelling features in African cinema and his unique approach to exposing the country’s socio-economic issues won him critical acclaim. Known as the "father of African film," this path-breaking movie set his reputation.

Borom Sarret is not merely a film; it's a powerful exploration of national identity, post-colonial culture, and societal disparities. It feels akin to a living portrait of a city in transition and a people caught in the crosscurrents of rapid modernization and persistent tradition. Its raw emotional narrative, wonderfully authentic cast, and apt representation of a vibrant city captured in monochrome make it an iconic piece of African cinema worth viewing.