The former French colonies in Central and West Africa have been independent since 1960, but most of these countries still use the currency of the former oppressor: the CFA franc. It was linked to the French franc when it was introduced, so the national bank in Paris controlled monetary policy. Now the currency has a fixed exchange rate with the euro. The link with the European currency strongly influences the monetary policy of CFA countries. And that means the value of the CFA franc is defined by political decisions taken elsewhere, rather than by the domestic economy.
Direction
Ndiaye builds methodical fury through patient testimony.
Editing
Connects archival colonial arrogance to present-day IMF smiles.
Director
Katy Lena Ndiaye
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
CFA originally stood for 'Colonies françaises d'Afrique'—the name changed to 'Communauté financière africaine' in 1962, but Paris kept the keys.
The 2020 CFA 'reform' the film critiques happened after production wrapped, making Ndiaye's warnings feel almost prophetic.
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