Girlpower: African Black Girl Magic through Cinema & Animation Storytelling

Girlpower: African Black Girl Magic through Cinema & Animation Storytelling

Perhaps one of the most memorable representations in cinema of African girlpower and agency is that of twelve-year-old Sili, determined, proud and increasingly empowered by her desire for independence despite formidable obstacles. The Black Girl Magic of the young protagonist of La petite vendeuse de Soleil by Djibril Diop Mambety (1999) is all the more compelling in her drive to make a living for herself and her grandmother while obliged to navigate the mean streets of Dakar on crutches. Though she does not read or write, Sili proves that she too can sell newspapers--even more effectively than the boys. She says to her grandmother as she heads out to find employment, confident in her ability to secure a job rather than beg on the streets: Grandma I will go find work tomorrow. I am not a boy. What boys do, girls can do, too!
While securing her employment at the Senegalese daily newspaper, "Le Soleil", she signs her 'contract', by drawing an image of the sun--which means soleil in French. Her exchange with the employers reveals this decisive moment:

Sili at newspaper distribution center: 'Hello. I want to sell the Soleil.'
 

Male owner of newspaper distribution center: Y'ou want to sell the Soleil? A girl selling newspapers?'

 
Female administrator: 'Boss, what boys do, girls can do too.'

 
Male owner: 'Give her the papers in the back there.'

Female administrator gives her the papers after counting them: '13 Soleils, that’s a lucky number.'

In the ultimate Black Girl Magic moment, wearing a bright yellow dress and large yellow "sun"glasses and flashing a toothy smile, Sili dances with other physically-challenged friends.

Similarly, Supa Modo (2018) by Likarion Wainaina follows the journey of Jo who is terminally ill, from hospice to home. During her remaining time, surrounded by family, friends and neighbors, she lives out her dream of being a super hero.

'Representing and empowering girls is a big responsibility,' declares elementary teacher Bruktawit Tigabu from Ethiopia. Her animation project "Tibeb Girls" is designed to meet this objective. The Tibeb Girls exhibit their girlpower as they journey to raise consciousness and empower girls along the way:
 

'In my village whenever a girl is in trouble the Tibeb Girls come to the rescue!'

'Power Girl, with super-human strength and speed.'
 

'Whiz Kid Girl, with the super power to see the future.'
 

'Empathy Girl, with super power to feel other's feelings.'
 

'When all three girls come together, their powers multiply into an unstoppable force to make great changes.'

Embarking on a futuristic journey empowered by science and technology, Sema, along with her brother, endeavor to protect their village. The animation series Super Sema highlights the importance of STEM to the future generations of Africa.

Similarly, the teen girls of Mama K's Team 4 take on the role of heroine--even beyond their village. In a neo-futuristic African city, they vow to rescue their fellow world citizens. 

 

(Image: Artistic rendering of screen capture:  La petite vendeuse de Soleil by Djibril Diop Mambety)

 

Report by Beti Ellerson

References from the African Women in Cinema Blog:

Super Sema Afro-futuristic animation
https://africanwomenincinema.blogspot.com/2021/03/super-sema-afro-futuristic-animation.html

Mama K's Team 4
https://africanwomenincinema.blogspot.com/2019/04/netflix-mama-ks-team-4-animated.html

Tibeb Girls Animation Project
http://africanwomenincinema.blogspot.fr/2017/04/tibeb-girls-animation-project-by.html