After being crowned Adamant at the Berlinale in 2023, another French film took home the Golden Bear this year: Dahomey. Directed by Matti Diop, this is a documentary that takes us to November 2021. Twenty-six royal treasures from Dahomey prepare to leave Paris to return to their country of origin, which has become Benin.
Along with several thousand others, these works were looted in 1892 during the invasion of French colonial troops. But how can we experience the return of these ancestors to a country that had to build and adapt to their absence? Before the spirits of the works are released, debate rages among students at the University of Abomey-Calavi.
The Golden Bear for Best Film was awarded to “Dahomey” directed by Mati Diop and produced by Eva Robin, Judith Lou Levy and Mati Diop. happy!
Discover all the information about the winners, awards and judges here: https://t.co/oU1KlhS3EI pic.twitter.com/pVvdp7HozL
— Berlinale (@berlinale) February 24, 2024
At the Berlin festival, another French work was awarded: L’Empire. Directed by Bruno Dumont, the film starring Fabrice Lucchin won the Jury Prize. The latter was led by Lupita Nyong’o this year.
After Justin Triet’s triumph at the 2024 César Awards, another French filmmaker shines this time in Berlin with this prestigious Golden Bear. Matti Diop won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival with Atlantic. Dahomey hits theaters on September 25.
Our 2024 Golden Bear winner for Best Film, directed by Matti Diop with the iconic Dahomey, produced by Eva Robin, Judith Lou Levy and Matti Diop.
Once again: big applause and congratulations! pic.twitter.com/2NDolmNKUq
— Berlinale (@berlinale) February 24, 2024
Complete winners of Berlinale 2024:
Golden Bear: Dahomey By Matti Diop
Grand Jury Prize: Traveler’s Needs by Hong Sang-soo
Jury Prize: Empire By Bruno Dumont
Silver Bear for Best Director: Nelson Carlo from Los Santos Arias for Pepe
Silver Bear for Best Performance: Sebastian Stan in A Different Man.
Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance: Emily Watson in Small Things
Silver Bear for Best Screenplay: Matthias Glasner for Sterben
Silver Bear for Best Artistic Contribution: Martin Gschlacht (Photography) for Devil’s Bath
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.