by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Impotence (Xala) is a Sengalese social comedy, filmed in the Wolof language. A rich, corrupt business executive marries for the third time for the express purpose of getting his name in the papers. After a disappointing wedding night, the businessman discovers that he's impotent. As he goes through a series of "cures" (including several tinged with witchcraft), his prestige in the communities dwindles along with his sense of manhood. Through Xala, director Ousmane Sembene attacks African neo-colonialism on an allegorical level.
characteristics
- Rich
- Nothing Goes Right
- Sex
- Suffering
- Wealth
- Comedy On The Edge
- Newlywed
- Corruption
- Cure
- Executive
- Impotence [lack Of Power]
- Marriage
