Black Nature Films in the Park: Yeelen (1987. Souleyman Cisse.)

Alfreda’s Cinemas presents Black August with a screening of Yeelen (1987) in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance at the Prospect Park Boathouse. Yeelen celebrates rich storytelling and deep ties to nature.

RSVP Today:

Set in Mali’s striking landscapes, the film follows Nianankoro, a young mystic fleeing his father, a powerful shaman. Rooted in Bambara cosmology, Yeelen presents nature as a mystical force—fire, water, earth, and the sun shape Nianankoro’s journey, symbolizing both creation and destruction. The sun, central to his power, embodies enlightenment and destiny, while fire acts as a transformative force. Blending myth, nature, and generational conflict, the film’s breathtaking visuals and elemental themes reinforce its status as a landmark of African cinema.