Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

Overview

Filmed in Firgoun, Niger, the film documents an initiation ceremony in which a young Songhay woman undergoes ritual preparation for the dance of possession. Led by zima (ritual priests), the ganandi ceremony teaches the structured movements and ritual practices required for participation in spirit possession rites associated with Kirey, the spirit of thunder. The film records the process through which the initiate is prepared to serve as a ceremonial medium within the community’s ritual tradition.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

February 22, 1948

Original language

English

Spoken languages

French

Countries

France, Niger

Director

Jean Rouch

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

IMDb

tt0210123