Le retour d'un aventurier (1966) aka Return of an Adventurer

One of the most important voices in African cinema, Moustapha Alassane has remained somewhat forgotten despite the important role he has played in its development, especially in the areas of animation and Nigerien cinema. His 1966 short, Return of an Adventurer, is the perfect introduction to his work, and perhaps most fully encapsulates his worldview better than any of his other films. Jimi has returned to his home village after some years abroad in the States, and has brought with him for his friends all the accessories needed to be real cowboys, from the shirts and hats to good ol' Sam Colt. Knighting his friends with quintessentially western names like Kelly, and Queen Christine, the gang sets out to stir up some mischief, whether it be stealing cattle or getting into barfights. But when an argument between two of the members takes a deadly turn, these cowboys learn that the wild west was not all fun and games. Clocking in at just under a half hour, Alassane is relentless with his satirical touch, mocking the very dangerous effects of cultural imperialism in Africa with quick comical wit, and slapstick comedy. Alassane is a director who is at his best when working in short form, and the half hour running time gives him enough to say what he needs to, but without becoming too bogged down, such as the case was in his feature Toula, or the Water Spirit. Combining pop art colors with a documentary feel, and some catchy tunes, Alassane has crafted something very memorable. There is a poetry to his use of sound, and a rhythm to his succession of images. Though the era of the western may be long over, the themes of westernization and loss of cultural identity are even more relevant today.