Timbuktu oder das Ringen um das kulturelle Gedächtnis

The film 'Timbuktu' by Abderrahmane Sissako offers a critical perspective on the erosion of cultural memory and societal structures under the influence of Islamist militancy. It depicts the profound disruptions in gender relations, intergenerational dynamics, and traditional authorities within the multiethnic and multilingual city of Timbuktu, Mali, following its takeover by extremist groups. The film highlights the deliberate destruction of animist shrines and Islamic holy sites, illustrating the violent erasure of sensory richness and human relationships. Sissako's deep familiarity with Mali enables a nuanced portrayal that critiques these developments while showcasing forms of resistance. This work serves as both an artistic and analytical intervention, underscoring the cultural and social consequences of authoritarian violence in Timbuktu.

Scheifele, S. (2016). Timbuktu oder das Ringen um das kulturelle Gedächtnis. Psychoanalyse Im Widerspruch, 28(2), 95–112. https://doi.org/10.30820/0941-5378-2016-2-95