Mati Diop's film "Dahomey" artfully blends documentary and fantasy, offering a profound exploration of the 26 royal artifacts' return to Benin and their cultural significance.
In "Dahomey," a voice-over from the statue of King Ghezo articulates the emotional weight of being displaced and the haunting feelings of return, captured poignantly: 'I am torn between the fear of no one recognizing me and not recognizing anything.'
Diop emphasizes that 'restitution could describe the heart of my work,' highlighting the importance of cultural artifacts in reclaiming identity and history for those affected.
The film presents an intimate portrait of Beninese life as the people engage with their history, making the abstract concept of restitution tangible through personal narratives and collective reflections.