
“‘Coming out’ and seeking acceptance is nothing new; but in this small but heartfelt film it is given fresh life...A trailblazer in the African context.”
—Variety
“This fascinating film allows us to see the dangers in supposing there can be a universal ‘gay’ narrative – and it is also a charming narrative.”
—K. Anthony Appiah
—Variety
“This fascinating film allows us to see the dangers in supposing there can be a universal ‘gay’ narrative – and it is also a charming narrative.”
—K. Anthony Appiah
Dakan
IN PERSON: Fri, Mar 27 at 7:30pm; STREAMING: Mar 26—30
- Part of
- Queering the Canon: We’re Out Here and
- BAM Film 2026
Directed by Mohamed Camara (1997)
With
Mohamed Camara, Cécile Bois, Mamady Mory Camara, Koumba Diakite, Aboucar Touré, Kade Seck
Touted as the first queer love story from West Africa, this poignant, unapologetic drama endures beyond the controversy and celebration it received upon its premiere at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. Sory (Aboucar Touré) and Manga (Mamady Mory Camara) feel an irrepressible romantic connection they cannot deny. But after the young men share their authentic feelings with their parents, they are separated and sent in different directions. Sory begins to work in his father’s business, while Manga must spend a year with a traditional healer in the backcountry—and both are firmly encouraged to settle down with women. As Sory and Manga attempt to meet social conventions, it gradually becomes clear that their personal journeys are more parallel than divergent. A rarely screened milestone in queer cinema, Mohamed Camara’s Dakan (Destiny) is a powerful call to listen to—and trust in—one’s heart.
“‘Coming out’ and seeking acceptance is nothing new; but in this small but heartfelt film it is given fresh life...A trailblazer in the African context.”
—Variety
“This fascinating film allows us to see the dangers in supposing there can be a universal ‘gay’ narrative – and it is also a charming narrative.”
—K. Anthony Appiah
—Variety
“This fascinating film allows us to see the dangers in supposing there can be a universal ‘gay’ narrative – and it is also a charming narrative.”
—K. Anthony Appiah
UPCOMING Screenings
RUNNING TIME
87min
VENUE
FORMAT
DCP
LANGUAGE
In French & Mandinka with English subtitles
TICKET INFORMATION
Individual Film Ticket — $19.50
In-person access to a single film
In-Person 6-Ticket Package — $95
Includes 6 tickets to use across any of the in-person films
Virtual All Access Pass — $25
Virtual access to all five streaming films (excludes DESERT HEARTS and WAITING FOR GUFFMAN);
Does not include in-person Q&A’s
In-person access to a single film
In-Person 6-Ticket Package — $95
Includes 6 tickets to use across any of the in-person films
Virtual All Access Pass — $25
Virtual access to all five streaming films (excludes DESERT HEARTS and WAITING FOR GUFFMAN);
Does not include in-person Q&A’s
BAM Members and Patrons receive a discount on tickets to this series, please email membership@BAM.org for more information.
Buy Tickets
Leadership support for
BAM’s strategic initiatives provided by:
Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs provided by
the Jerome L. Greene Foundation
Leadership support for
BAM programming provided by:
Leadership support for
BAM Film provided by
The Thompson Family Foundation
Major support for programs in
the Lepercq Cinema is provided by
The Lepercq Charitable Foundation
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SUPPORT BAM
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MEMBERSHIPBAM Membership ($100+)
BAM Membership ($100+)
Enjoy half off stages and screens as a member. With valuable discounts, advance access to tickets, and invitations to special events, BAM Membership is your license to see more for less. -
SUPPORTBAM Patrons ($2,500+)
BAM Patrons ($2,500+)
Priority access to premium seats, personalized ticket services, exclusive invitations, and more.





