Winner of the Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale, Dahomey traces the historic return of 26 royal treasures from France to Benin, offering a profound reflection on colonialism, cultural restitution, and the meaning of heritage today. Directed by Mati Diop (Atlantics), the film blends precise storytelling with evocative visuals, following the treasures’ journey while delving into debates among Beninese youth about their significance. Narrated through the voice of a bronze statue and set to a stirring score by Dean Blunt and Wally Badarou, Dahomey is a captivating meditation on memory, identity, and reclaiming what was lost.

Porcelain War is a gripping and deeply personal account of a nation’s fight for survival, told through the eyes of citizen soldiers and artists who refuse to surrender. Blending intimate stories of civilian militia fighters with unprecedented frontline footage, the film captures the raw humanity and unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of war. At its heart are the relationships between ordinary people turned defenders, revealing the courage and camaraderie that sustain them amidst unimaginable chaos. With stunning visuals and unflinching realism, this documentary stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of those who create and protect even as their world is torn apart.

Porcelain War is a gripping and deeply personal account of a nation’s fight for survival, told through the eyes of citizen soldiers and artists who refuse to surrender. Blending intimate stories of civilian militia fighters with unprecedented frontline footage, the film captures the raw humanity and unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of war. At its heart are the relationships between ordinary people turned defenders, revealing the courage and camaraderie that sustain them amidst unimaginable chaos. With stunning visuals and unflinching realism, this documentary stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of those who create and protect even as their world is torn apart.

Winner of the Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale, Dahomey traces the historic return of 26 royal treasures from France to Benin, offering a profound reflection on colonialism, cultural restitution, and the meaning of heritage today. Directed by Mati Diop (Atlantics), the film blends precise storytelling with evocative visuals, following the treasures’ journey while delving into debates among Beninese youth about their significance. Narrated through the voice of a bronze statue and set to a stirring score by Dean Blunt and Wally Badarou, Dahomey is a captivating meditation on memory, identity, and reclaiming what was lost.