AllMovie

Filmed in such a way as to evoke the slow rhythms of the African desert, this drama comments upon the negative effects of European settlers upon native African cultures while telling the inspiring tale of a woman determined to forge a better life for herself and her family. With three difficult children, a crippled, mentally unbalanced husband and no steady income, Zamiatou is the poorest woman in an impoverished desert village. Zamiatou could have plenty of money to survive if she would sell her petulant but beautiful daughter to the lecherous French settlers living nearby, but she would rather work herself to death than do that. Unfortunately, her family situation continues to spiral downward and she is finally forced to seek outside help.