Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary discusses the trials, successes, failures, and foreseeable future of decentralization in Mali. It is an ambitious political development whereby 705 largely autonomous communes must act like the United States under the Articles of Confederation. This is an interesting political plan instituting “bottom up” governance from the “top down.” The success of this political system will depend upon the participation of the citizens and their perceptions of the reforms. To stimulate support for decentralization, the government has launched a promotional campaign of “J’y crois!” meaning “I believe in it!” in Bambara.

The film offers instances of successes, but mainly dwells on the shortcomings of decentralization and people’s discontent with the program. Many perceive it to be a European concept. Many feel it is a way in which the central government can shrug responsibility for regional conflicts. Border disputes between communes are persistent problems. With persistent rumors of corruption in the central government, a good deal of citizens are suspicious of the government’s motivation.

This is a good documentary, but it lacks energy and a sense of natural progression. The focus of the film does not proceed chronologically and topics are addressed at numerous points without tight transitions. Though the film offers many interviews of citizens and a few statesmen, there is very little third party analysis in this documentary. Furthermore, the film’s introduction does not adequately acquaint the viewer with the history of Mali and the events and circumstances leading up to the decision to decentralize. I had to do a fair amount of research to familiarize myself with Mali’s history in order to make sense of portions of the film.

This is a fine documentary for purposes of learning about political development in Mali on the social level. The film does a great job of gathering a representative cross section of Mali’s citizenry in its interviews. Viewers should be aware, however, that this film is more socially oriented than politically oriented. The film shines at times with insightful observations and comments, but these moments are too infrequent. Recommended for those studying African social history at an advanced college level.