The African kingdom of Dahomey, which ruled over its region until the turn of the 20th century, saw hundreds of its splendid royal artifacts plundered by French colonial troops in its waning days. Now, as 26 of these treasures are set to return to their homeland in the Republic of Benin—filmmaker Mati Diop documents their voyage back. As with her layered, supernaturally tinged Atlantics, Diop transforms this rich subject matter into an examination of ownership and exhibition, and features a wide range of perspectives – including those of the artifacts themselves as they sail back to their rightful home.
