Sisters In Law
Kim Longinotto, Florence Ayisi
Cameroon | 2005 | 104mins | 35mm | Colour
A totally fascinating, often hilarious look at the work of one small courthouse in Cameroon where two women determined to change a village are making progress that could change the world. The tough-minded state prosecutor Vera Ngassa and Court President Beatrice Ntuba are working to help women in their Muslim village find the courage to fight often difficult cases of abuse, despite pressures from family and their community to remain silent. With fierce compassion, they dispense wisdom, wisecracks and justice in fair measure handing down stiff sentences to those convicted.
A cross between Judge Judy and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Sisters In Law has audiences cheering when justice is served. In signature style, Longinotto’s unobtrusive camera captures an abundance of colourful characters, allowing their powerful stories to unfold effortlessly without need for narration. Inspiring and uplifting, Sisters In Law presents a strong and positive view of African women and captures the emerging spirit of courage, hope and the possibility of change.
Prix Art et Essai – Cannes Film Festival, 2005
Audience Award – International Documentary Festival Amsterdam |
