In a groundbreaking collaboration, celebrated screenwriter Simon Moutaïrou has teamed up with leading producer Chi-Fou-Mi and Studiocanal for his highly anticipated directorial debut, 'No Chains, No Masters.' This epic historical drama is inspired by the true stories of former slaves in West Africa, known as Maroons, who fought for their freedom against French settlements.
Set in 1759 on the French colony of Mauritius Island, 'No Chains, No Masters' follows the gripping journey of a father named Massamba, portrayed by Ibrahima Mbaye Thié, and his fierce teenage daughter, Mati, played by Anna Thiandoum. Determined to survive a relentless manhunt through the jungle and escape the horrors of a colonial plantation, Mati defies her fate and flees in search of freedom. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of a plantation owner, portrayed by Benoît Magimel, who hires the merciless slave hunter Madame de la Victoire, played by Camille Cottin, and her sons to track down Mati. Massamba, left with no other choice, embarks on a desperate search for his daughter, as they both break away from the shackles of the colonial order.
'No Chains, No Masters' aims to shed light on the history of slavery in French colonies, marking a significant milestone in French cinema. Produced by Nicolas Dumont and Hugo Selignac at Chi-Fou-Mi, under the Mediawan banner, the movie is financed by Studiocanal and has garnered pre-purchases from French public broadcaster France Televisions. As the film prepares to make its mark at the European Film Market, Studiocanal plans to present a promotional reel.
Exploring his personal connection to the subject matter, Moutaïrou explains that 'No Chains, No Masters' is a deeply rooted project, stemming from his childhood in Benin, a former French colony in West Africa known as the Kingdom of Dahomey. Reflecting on his experiences, Moutaïrou shares childhood memories of encountering a memorial called the 'Gate of No Return,' symbolizing the enslaved Africans who were taken away from their homelands. As slavery holds significant historical and familial importance in Benin, Moutaïrou always knew his first film would address this topic.
The production of 'No Chains, No Masters' was no easy feat. Shot on location in Mauritius Island in the Indian Ocean, the production faced challenges, including a violent tropical storm. Moutaïrou worked closely with historians to ensure historical accuracy and included many non-professional actors who spoke Wolof, a native language of a prominent ethnic group in West Africa. The casting process for Mati was extensive, resulting in the selection of Anna Thiandoum from among 500 young women who auditioned in Dakar, even though she had never acted before. Ibrahima Mbaye, a renowned Senegalese stage actor who previously starred in Mati Diop's Cannes prize-winning film 'Atlantics,' brings his talent to the portrayal of Massamba.
Moutaïrou emphasizes the importance of accurate representation in cinema, with the aim of filling historical gaps. Drawing inspiration from earlier French films on slavery made by Guy des Deslauriers, Med Hondo, and Euzhan Palcy in the 1970s and 1980s, Moutaïrou believes that 'No Chains, No Masters' will serve as a bridge, connecting the past with the present.
Nicolas Dumont, sharing Moutaïrou's perspective, believes that France has yet to fully address this dark chapter of its colonial history in popular culture. Comparing the significant attention slavery has received in American cinema, Dumont hopes that their film will awaken consciousness and educate younger generations about this painful period of French history. Slavery was officially abolished in France in 1794 during the Revolution.
Moutaïrou highlights the distinction between slavery practices in the Americas and West Africa. In French settlements, foremen were often Black, unlike the white overseers on cotton plantations in the United States. He considers his film to authentically represent a different world—a French world.
Beyond its historical significance, 'No Chains, No Masters' also carries a feminist dimension. The story is driven by heroic female characters, including Mati and her mother, who sacrifices her life rather than becoming a slave.
Ultimately, 'No Chains, No Masters' explores the timeless themes of defiance, liberation, and standing up against systems of domination. Moutaïrou believes that the film is both timely and relevant, serving as a powerful reminder to speak out and stand tall, not only in the past but in the present as well.
With its ambitious storytelling and rich historical context, 'No Chains, No Masters' promises to captivate audiences worldwide. As it makes its way to the international market, this film marks a significant step forward in shedding light on France's colonial past, while also celebrating the resilience and spirit of those who fought for their freedom.
