Film Screening: Cinémanuscrit—Xala

In October we continue our Cinémanuscrit series, an exploration of cinematic adaptions of Francophone literature, with a screening of legendary Senegalese film director, producer, and writer Ousmane Sembène’s 1975 satirical comedy* Xala,* adapted from Sembène’s own 1973 novel of the same name.

Xala is a hilarious, caustic satire of political corruption and of an inept patriarchal society transitioning out of colonial rule. The film will be presented by writer, filmmaker, and cultural critic Ytasha Womack, who will also lead a post-screening discussion.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of Louis Jadot Bourgogne and the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Sofitel Magnificent Mile’s très chic Le Bar.

Doors at 6:00 p.m. Screening at 6:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

About the Film

At the end of French colonial rule in Senegal, the Senegalese Chamber of Commerce celebrates its first president and ejects existing French members from the board of directors. After the French men return with suitcases of money for the Senegalese members, they are allowed to stay. Senegalese businessman El Hadji Abdoukader Beye takes advantage of this opportunity to improve his business and order soldiers to remove the poor who are begging on his street. 

El Hadji’s success allows him to marry a third wife. However, on his wedding night, he discovers he has become impotent and is unable to consummate his new marriage. As he tries to get rid of this impotence (or xala in Wolof), El Hadji must face the possibility that he deserves the infliction due to his embezzlement of public funds and his hand in keeping Senegal under French control.

About the Presenter

Photo credit: Akilah Townsend for The New York Times

Ytasha L. Womack is a writer, cultural critic, and filmmaker recognized for her work in Afrofuturism, race, and speculative fiction. She is the author of Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci Fi & Fantasy Culture (2013), Black Panther: A Cultural Exploration (2023), The Afrofuturist Evolution: Creative Paths to Self Discovery (2025), and the graphic novel Black Moon Ritual (2026).

About the Author & Director

AP Photo/Courtesy of Samba Gadjigo

Ousmane Sembène was a Senegalese film director, producer, and writer. After being drafted into the Senegalese Tirailleurs during World War II, he worked at a Citroën factory in Paris and later became active in the French trade union movement in Marseille as a docks worker. He taught himself to read and write in French and published his first novel, Le Docker Noir, in 1956. He published Xala in 1973 and directed the film in 1975. Considered one of the greatest authors from Africa, Ousmane Sembène became known as the “father of African film.”

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Avenue. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark and the 66 on Chicago Avenue. A Divvy station is located in front of the Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$10 for 12 hours at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Photography Notice

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.