La pêche et le culte de la mer

Trasfoco: Fishing

On the coast of Ghana, in the so-called Gulf of Guinea, knowledge of the sea belongs to “surf-boys”. These are seasoned fishermen who, since time immemorial, have set out into the Atlantic in search of a livelihood. Sometimes without returning to land for days on end. In the shadows of the old slave forts from the Portuguese colonial era, children play at being fishermen. However, sometimes the water spirits seem to be angry. Despite the fact that the fishermen protect and honour their temples, they sometimes return home with empty nets. Perhaps a sacrificial ritual will appease the spirits and change their luck.

Creative team

Directed by
Jean Rouch
Script
Jean Rouch
Cinematography
Jean Rouch
Editing
Philippe Luzuy

Sheet

Original title
La pêche et le culte de la mer
Title in Spanish
La pesca y el culto al mar
Year
1953
Country
France, Ghana