Night of the Kings 2021

Overview

Night of the Kings is a drama film directed by Philippe Lacôte that explores the power of storytelling and resistance. The narrative centers on a young man who is sent to La Maca, a correctional facility located in the Ivorian forest that is ruled by its own inmates. According to prison tradition, the arrival of the red moon requires the Boss to designate a new Roman. The protagonist, a pickpocket named Koné Bakary, is chosen for this role and must tell a story to the other prisoners to survive. To avoid a grim fate, he begins to narrate the mystical life of a legendary outlaw known as Zama King. He is compelled to sustain his tale until dawn to appease his audience. By paying homage to the West African tradition of the griot, the film highlights how words can serve as a form of protection in the face of violence. The film has a runtime of one hour and thirty-three minutes and was released in the United States on February 26, 2021.