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A Night of Reflection and Dialogue: DAHOMEY Screening and Panel Discussion



On January 15th, the screening of the award-winning documentary DAHOMEY by director Mati Diop set the stage for a powerful evening of reflection, connection, and conversation at a packed venue in Vienna.


The event, held in cooperation with the African Cultural Foundation, was more than a film screening—it was a space for critical dialogue around identity, history, and the ongoing discourse on restitution and self-determination.


The Film: Revisiting the Past, Reimagining the Future

DAHOMEY offers a poetic yet politically charged exploration of Africa’s colonial past, with a particular focus on the return of looted royal artifacts from France to Benin. Through striking imagery and intimate narration, Mati Diop challenges viewers to consider questions of cultural ownership, historical justice, and the deep emotional legacies of colonialism. The film sparked thoughtful reactions from the audience and opened the door to a lively panel discussion immediately afterward.


The Panel: Voices from the Diaspora and Beyond

The post-screening conversation featured three distinguished voices:

  • Hawa Kebe – Founder of SETI, a platform uplifting talented women from Africa and its diaspora. Born in Senegal and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, Hawa brings a rich hybrid African perspective to her work in Vienna. Through her dedication to community-building, storytelling, and empowerment, she highlighted the importance of reclaiming African narratives and celebrating the diversity of women’s experiences across the continent and beyond.

  • Daniel R. Bitouh – A Cameroonian-born scholar and co-founder of AFRIEUROTEXT, a cultural association and specialized bookstore focused on Africa and its diaspora. With his academic background in literature and cultural studies, Daniel offered historical and literary context to the themes raised in DAHOMEY, especially regarding Europe’s complex and often contradictory relationship with African heritage.

    • Moderator: Adaora Ofoedu – Adaora guided the conversation with sensitivity and insight, weaving together the panelists' perspectives and facilitating a meaningful dialogue with the audience.


The Panelists Hawa Kebe – Founder of SETI and Daniel R. Bitouh – A Cameroonian-born scholar and co-founder of AFRIEUROTEXT
The Panelists Hawa Kebe – Founder of SETI and Daniel R. Bitouh – A Cameroonian-born scholar and co-founder of AFRIEUROTEXT

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

This event was part of the African Cultural Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promote African culture and amplify diaspora voices in Austria. Founded in 1996, the organization has spent nearly 30 years fostering cultural understanding through festivals, panels, and community-based programs. This year’s programming continues to spotlight key themes such as the influence of the Black Lives Matter movement in Austria and the economic contributions of African womenboth on the continent and in the diaspora.


Thank You to Everyone Who Joined Us

The evening reminded us that art and dialogue are powerful tools for social change. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and participated. Events like these remind us of the importance of revisiting the past in order to shape a more just and inclusive future.


Stay tuned for more events, discussions, and collaborations from the African Cultural Foundation and its partners.



 
 
 

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