The people of Djenné (Mali, Africa) end the dry season with a special tradition. They plaster their mosque. This Grande Mosquée is the largest adobe building in the world and towers more than twenty meters above the town, which is fully made up of adobe buildings as well. When approaching Djenné, you will see a fairy-tale like silhouette rising from the dry African savannah, like a giant sandcastle built by the finest hands. In reality it is the work of the master masons. These craftsmen are highly looked upon in Djenné. They have the knowledge to build houses where evil spirits cannot intrude. And they know like no one else, how their town, UNESCO World Heritage, can be preserved. Due to bright sunlight and high temperatures the buidings erode. Every year the rain washes away a layer of loam. To prevent the Grande Mosquée from 'melting down' to just a pile of clay, the Djenneke join forces at the fête de crépissage. This documentary follows the preamble to the festival. The meeting of the amirs, the young ones who represent their district and organize the day. Their purchase of cigarettes and candy to reward the hard work. A visit to the marabout, to ask for protection during the work. The night before, with reggae blaring out from the ghettoblaster and energy drink in the cool box. And at the same time the conflict between traditions and renewal. The troubles of a town preserving a unique identity. Throughout this storyline runs the tale of a many century old legend about the genesis of Djenné. All comes together on the day of the crépissage. The energy of the Djenneke will blow your mind. The boys carry the loam at an explosive pace from the river to the mosque. Girls bring them the water for the right mixture. The masons run up the wobbly, sky-high wooden ladders. The women prepare the food. And the elderly are spectators of the festival that they have been celebrating every year of their long life. |