The original title of Cheick Oumar Sissoko’s striking and vibrant 1995 folkloric feature from Mali, a film literally dedicated to Africa, is Guimba: A Tyrant, an Epoch. A fantasy complete with magic spells and special effects, it recounts the intrigues that ensue when the title king allows his dwarf son to ride roughshod over their village kingdom to satisfy his lust, demanding that a married woman divorce her husband in order to marry him. Definitely worth seeing; with Falaba Issa Traore and Lamine Diallo. Film Center, Art Institute, Columbus Drive at Jackson, Friday, July 12, 8:00, and Sunday, July 14, 6:00, 443-3737.

–Jonathan Rosenbaum

Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): Photo from “Guimba the Tyrant”.