The Mauritanian French director Med Hondo’s groundbreaking film “West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty” is finally getting the recognition it deserves with a new 4K restoration and a weeklong run at Film Forum. This unique African movie musical, shot entirely on a replica slave ship in an abandoned Citroën factory in Paris, traces nearly four centuries of French colonialism with unsparing clarity and relentless creativity.
Despite facing challenges in financing due to its controversial subject matter, Hondo managed to bring this powerful film to life with the help of African private investors and a loan from Algeria’s public broadcasting organization. The film compares France’s historical methods of colonialism with a darkly satirical irony, highlighting the ongoing impact of coerced migrations and exploitation.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, a devoted fan of the film, has praised its epic scope and artistic choreography, calling it a must-watch for any movie lover. The recent restoration of “West Indies” is part of a larger effort to preserve Hondo’s legacy, following his passing in 2019.
As interest in Hondo’s work continues to grow, institutions like the Harvard Film Archive are taking steps to ensure that his films are not forgotten. The restoration of “West Indies” and other works is shedding light on the director’s bold storytelling and commitment to addressing issues of racism and violence.
With screenings planned at Film Forum and Anthology Film Archives, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the brilliance of Hondo’s cinema firsthand. As curator Ashley Clark notes, “West Indies” remains a powerful and relevant film that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about history and society.
