Moolaadé

The film begins in a vibrant Bambara village in Burkina Faso, characterized by termite mounds and a striking clay mosque. This picturesque setting exemplifies the beauty of green Africa while concurrently highlighting its vulnerability to modernization.

Collé is introduced as the second wife of a thoughtful and composed man, enjoying her favored status among the household. However, her daughter Amasatou faces societal challenges due to the absence of traditional female genital cutting.

Amasatou's engagement is clouded by the local customs that deem her unfit for marriage without undergoing genital cutting. Collé stands against this practice, making her and her daughter targets of scorn from the elders in the village.

In a desperate act, four frightened girls escape the impending ritual of genital mutilation. Collé offers hope by drawing the protection rope, or Moolaadé, across her home, preventing the village elders from entering.

Initially, Collé's rival, her husband's first wife, appears unsupportive. However, it is revealed that she secretly opposes the genital cutting and assists Collé in her quest, showcasing a bond forged in mutual defiance.

Facing her daughter's pleas for circumcision, Collé recounts her own painful experiences, including two nearly fatal pregnancies. Her revelations deepen the connection between maternal protection and the fight against harmful traditions.

Ibrahima returns from France, representing a progressive voice challenging patriarchal traditions. He is disturbed by witnessing a funeral for two girls who took their lives to escape genital mutilation, which galvanizes his commitment to Amasatou.

The village elders, fearing the influence of modernity embodied by the women’s radios, exert control over Collé's husband, urging him to publicly shame her. However, Collé’s refusal to submit demonstrates her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

A trader known as Mercenaire, a war veteran, complicates the situation by revealing underlying issues related to child abuse and genital cutting. His presence only intensifies the conflict as he attempts to exploit the villagers with his goods.

A tragedy unfolds when a desperate mother abducts her daughter to force her into the cutting ritual. The child's death during the procedure serves as a catalyst, igniting a movement among the other mothers against the harmful practice.

Moved by the tragic event, Collé decides to revoke her protective stance and returns the fleeing girls to their families. This acts as a turning point that encourages dialogue and action against genital cutting within the community.

The villagers, inspired by the latest events, unite to denounce the oppressive traditions surrounding genital cutting. This collective resistance represents a significant cultural shift, marking the beginning of a communal fight for women's rights.

Collé boldly calls for the surrender of the cutting knives, symbolizing a crucial victory over past customs. This act of defiance becomes a watershed moment in the village's confrontation with ingrained traditions.

Ibrahima, fueled by his love for Amasatou, confronts his father's threats, declaring his intention to marry her despite familial pressure. This act of bravery enriches the narrative of love prevailing over oppressive societal norms.

The film concludes with villagers burning radios, a powerful symbol of the triumph over the silencing of dissent. This imagery marks both a victory for the women and a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against patriarchal oppression.