In Upper Casamance, young boys must submit to initiation rites to become men. These children are locked into a room where they endure a series of ordeals. On their outcome depends their recognition and acceptance of the authority of the adult world. Their indoctrination takes place in an ambiance of humiliation and physical torture, which gives a good idea of how their submission isn't taken for granted. It is during this period that the Kankouran appears. Guardian spirit of the forest, it comes to the village to do battle with evil spirits, drawn by the weakness of the boys. It spread terror in the streets of the village and kills whatever resists it, thus protecting the mystery of the initiation. But nowadays its power has been challenged, threatened as it is by other forms of education influenced by Western forms of instruction. The film describes these initiation practices and the problems it raises today. Belgique / Sénégal Réalisation: Malick Sy Scénario: Malick Sy Image: Vincent Hufty Son: Christophe Blitz Montage: Serge Nagels Production: Sy'Zif Tel: +32 (0)2 201 0530 Fax: +32 (0)2 201 0530 Co-Production: Sybilline, Abysse Production, Osmosis Ventes: System TV, 45-47, rue Paul-Bert, 92100 Boulogne, France Tel: +33 (0)1 5538 2020 Fax: +33 (0)1 5538 2030 E-mail: comm@systemtv.fr FESTIVALS FIPA 2002 - Fipatel