Wider Issues
Bamako contains at least two sequences that are used to make connections between the specific world in which the story takes place and the wider issues to which Sissako wants to draw attention.
One of these sequences focuses on the issue of immigration. Watch the 'immigration' clip and consider the following:
'I deeply believe that life and hope go beyond the notion of justice. Speaking in a straightforward way is extremely difficult these days and conveying my message through a parable seemed the right thing to do. I wanted the debate that is carried out by the main characters in the trial, to be regularly broken up by other realities which sometimes take the form of parables.'
(Abderrahmane Sissako)
Does this change your view or challenge your understanding of immigration? Is this approach to the issue more effective for you than the courtroom scenes?
What do you think the director means when he talks about the use of parables?
Is this a useful way to understand these issues?
Explain your answers.
