Filmmaker Alain Gomis is making a significant return to the Berlin International Film Festival with his latest creation, "DAO." This three-hour family epic delves into the profound implications of colonialism and the experience of displacement, unfolding against the contrasting backdrops of France and West Africa. Gomis, renowned for his contemplative storytelling, crafts a mosaic of personal experiences, shedding light on the intricate ties that bind generations and cultures, all while navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.
Gomis, whose heritage spans Bissau-Guinean and Senegalese roots, took on both writing and directing duties for "DAO." The cast features a blend of seasoned actors and new faces, with Katy Correa and D’Johé Kouadio portraying a mother-daughter duo. Their journey unfolds across two pivotal ceremonies: a wedding in Paris and a funeral in Guinea-Bissau. The film's conception dates back to Gomis's profound experience at his father's funeral in Guinea-Bissau in 2018, an event that sowed the seeds for this deeply personal project. He recalls the inspiration as a collection of 'small things' that gradually coalesced into a rich narrative tapestry.
Remarkably, the production of "DAO" was executed in a mere 20 days, evenly split between France and Guinea-Bissau. True to Gomis's unique directorial style, much of the dialogue was unscripted, allowing scenes to evolve organically in the moment. This improvisational approach infused the film with a hybrid quality, blurring the lines between fiction and documentary. Non-professional actress Katy Correa, in particular, demonstrated an innate understanding of emotional nuance, contributing significantly to the film's authenticity. Established talents like Samir Guesmi and Thomas Ngijol also lend their expertise, enriching the ensemble.
Despite its intimate scope, "DAO" subtly addresses weighty societal issues such as the enduring legacy of colonialism, the experience of displacement, and the transmission of intergenerational trauma. Gomis reflects on how families often harbor unspoken histories and the profound impact of absence on one's self-perception. He highlights the divide between those who remained in Africa and those who emigrated, underscoring the sense of something unaddressed and the lingering feeling of incompleteness that can arise from such generational gaps.
Mirroring his critically acclaimed film "Félicité," which centered on a bar singer in Kinshasa striving to fund her son's surgery, "DAO" continues to champion the female perspective, particularly focusing on themes of motherhood. Corréa's character, a single mother, reevaluates her own aspirations as she witnesses her daughter's marriage. Gomis reveals that the narrative initially took shape through a female protagonist, drawing inspiration from women he has encountered who deferred their own lives for the sake of their children, as if their personal desires were secondary. Furthermore, music, particularly jazz, serves as a crucial tonal element in "DAO," much like in Gomis's previous works. The score seamlessly blends traditional ceremonial sounds with jazz compositions, providing a tender and nostalgic framework for the film's unfolding story, imbuing it with emotional depth.
Scheduled for its competitive debut on February 14, "DAO" is a collaborative effort involving France, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. The project benefits from the expertise of acclaimed producer Sylvie Pialat of Les Films du Worso and SRAB Films, alongside Senegalese co-producers Yennenga Productions and Nafi Films, and Telecine Bissau Produções from Guinea-Bissau. The Party Film Sales is managing the international distribution of the film.