We are so excited to kick off this new partnership! Every Thursday, Size Yange and Kuchu Times are teaming up to talk about the art that speaks to us. We’re looking at film, music, and literature through a queer African lens—starting with a film that laid the foundation for everything that came after.

Review: Dakan (1997)

 “If God were fair, He would let me have your children.”

That line is easily one of the most famous—and most vulnerable—moments in African cinema. It’s spoken by Manga to Sory, and it perfectly captures the deep, soul-level longing at the heart of Dakan. It’s not just about attraction; it’s about a desire for a future that feels impossible to reach.

Directed by Mohamed Camara and released in Guinea in 1997, Dakan (meaning “Destiny”) is widely recognized as the first West African feature film to center on a gay relationship. But beyond its historical “firsts,” it’s a story about two people trying to find a version of happiness that doesn’t require them to lose their families.

Why it hits different

What makes Dakan so relatable, even decades later, is how it handles the “family” of it all. We see Manga and Sory deal with the classic pressures: the parents who think they can “fix” them with traditional healers or arranged marriages, and the internal guilt of wanting to be “good sons” while being true to themselves.

It isn’t a fast-paced thriller; it’s a slow, atmospheric film. The cinematography is warm and intimate, making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private world.

Even if you aren’t a fan of “old” movies, Dakan feels modern in its emotions. We’ve all felt that tension of living a double life or wondering if “destiny” is something we’re born with or something we have to fight for.

It’s also a powerful reminder that queer African stories aren’t a “new” or “Western” import. This film was made under immense pressure and protest in the 90s, yet it exists. It’s a testament to the fact that we have always been here, loving each other and telling our stories.

Dakan is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the roots of our cinema. It’s soft, it’s a bit sad, but it’s ultimately a brave piece of art. It’s the perfect place to start our Thursday journey together.

See you next Thursday! In the meantime, have you seen Dakan? What did that opening line make you feel?