Bermuda International Film Festival 2009

Adama is a successful scientist happily living in France and ignoring the small family he has left behind in Senegal: a grandmother and a deaf and dumb younger sister. Summoned home by an urgent message, he rediscovers a country in chaos. Shockingly, his sister is caught up in prostitution and entangled in a gangsta lifestyle. Adama’s instinct is to punish his sister but he soon goes after the gang leader with grim consequences. Assisted by his best friend, who forces him to open his eyes to the social condition of the country and family he has abandoned, Adama must decide whether to become part of the solution. Part social commentary, part thriller, The Absence is an atmospheric and contemporary sketch of Senegal that touches on issues of drugs, prostitution, corruption, brain drain, and, possibly, redemption. Filmmaker Mama Keita gives us a film that urgently races towards a dramatic, exciting and unexpected climax. The Absence depicts Senegal with all its contradictions so we see horrible, graphic violence as well as sweet friendship but, above all, we hope there is hope.