Chad (2006) dir. Mahamat-Saleh Haroun with Ali Bacha Barkai, Youssouf Djaoro and Aziza Hisseine
The government has granted amnesty to all war criminals. 16 year old Atim is given a revolver by his grandfather so that he may kill the man who killed his father. Atim leaves his village for N’djamena, seeking a man he does not know. He quickly locates him: former war criminal Nassara is now married and settled down as the owner of a small bakery…
With the firm intention of killing him, Atim gets closer to Nassara under the guise of looking for work, and is hired as an apprentice baker. Intrigued by Atim’s attitude toward him, Nassara takes him under his wing and teaches him the secrets of making bread. Over the weeks, a strange relationship evolves between the two. Despite his disgust, Atim seems to recognise in Nassara the father figure he has always needed, while Nassara sees the teenager as a potential son.
“Beautifully and simply photographed on location, Daratt confirms Haroun as one of Africa’s leading filmmakers.” Time Out
Awards:
Ouagadougou Panafrican Film and Television Festival
Won – Best Cinematography
Won – Bronze Etalon de Yennega for Best Director
Won – European Union Award for Best Director
Venice Film Festival 2006
Won – EIUC Award for Best Director
Won – Human Rights Film Network Award – Special Mention
Won – SIGNIS Award – Honorable Mention
Won – Special Jury Prize
Won – UNESCO Award
Nominated – Golden Lion
