Bon Voyage Sim

Bon Voyage Sim
Directed byMoustapha Alassane (animation)
Screenplay byMoustapha Alassane
Produced byMoustapha Alassane
CinematographyMoustapha Alassane
Edited byMoustapha Alassane
Release date
  • 1966 (1966)
Running time
5 minutes
CountryNiger

Bon Voyage Sim is a 1966 animated film directed by pioneering African filmmaker Moustapha Alassane.

Synopsis

Sim, the President of a Republic of Toads, goes on a journey invited by a neighboring president. This "jaunt is taken up with spectacles of transport, soldiers presenting arms, musicians playing military anthems, and a meeting that consists entirely of pleasantries and vague platitudes."[1] This film, "a satirical animation on the pomp and grandeur of new African leaders of the time, is often cited as the first example of sub-Saharan African animation."[2] It is reported that the original ending had Sim, upon his return, being dethroned and tossed in the water.[3]

References

  1. ^ Price, Yasmina. "The Politically Trenchant Fables of Animation Pioneer Moustapha Alassane". The Criterion Collection. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
  2. ^ Callus, Paula (2010). "Animation as socio-political commentary: an analysis of the animated films of Congolese director Jean Michel Kibushi". Journal of African Media Studies. 2 (1): 55–71. doi:10.1386/jams.2.1.55/1.
  3. ^ "The Animations and Improvisations of a Trailblazing Nigerien Filmmaker". Hyperallergic. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2026-03-07.