Dakar, ta nostalgie

It's a terrible reality : in Senegal, life expectancy is 62 years for men, 66 for women. 25% of the population will not reach the age of 40. Seeking treatment is expensive, and the average wage per capita is 65 euros per month. 48% of the population is unemployed. Thus the Senegalese will rarely see a doctor or to health examinations and when they do, it is often too late. People disappear quickly, leaving others wondering why. "Everyone is wondering when it will be their turn. It seems inevitable. In the discussions, it is impossible to make plans because we have so many friends who left". (Maktar Ndiaye says Dada, interviewed in the film). This documentary is an approach off the beaten track. To tackle this delicate subject on the fragility of life in Africa, Florence Arrigoni takes us "by the end of the heart" to accomplish a journey together towards the Other in a new way, our guides his emotion, and sensitivity affects us sincerely. The film is an intimate dive in the heart of Dakar, closer to the people and emotions. Florence Arrigoni shares her perspective on Dakar and her friends; she shows a part of their daily lives, without sensationalism. They express the difficulty of life in Africa. The director shows that, even if people are poor and lack many things, they have the essential: humanity, solidarity and hospitality. This film is a tribute. A tribute to the fallen : emotion and indignation that, depending on where you are born on earth, some do not have access to the most basic health care. A tribute to the living, to all those who fight to live or survive: one of them is her Senegalese friend Maktar Ndiaye, alias Dada, a professional clown and puppeteer for 20 years, whose mission is to give happiness to children. His determination and optimism are admirable.