Work AKA Baara (1978) DVD-R

Starring: Balla Moussa Keita, Baba Niare, Bubukar Keita, Ismaila Sarr, Omou Diarra
Directed by: Souleymane Cissé
Print: Color
Runtime: 91 minutes
Genre: Drama
Language: Bambara (English subtitles)

*Work* (*Baara*), also known as *Le Travail*, is a 1978 Malian drama film directed by Souleymane Cissé. It was the first feature film ever produced in Mali. The story follows Balla Diarra (Balla Moussa Keita), a young Malian peasant working as a porter (baara) in the capital city of Bamako. He becomes acquainted with a progressive factory manager who introduces him to a job at a factory. As Balla navigates the complexities of urban life and labor, he encounters the growing political and economic tensions of urban Africa. The film offers a portrait of African life not often seen on the American screen. *Work* has been recognized with several awards, including the Étalon de Yennenga at FESPACO and the Golden Montgolfière at the Three Continents Festival in Nantes.