Colobane Express

Film

by Khady Sylla

Details

Senegal / 1999 / 52mins / Docudrama / Wolof

The car rapides, relatives of the bush taxi, are the only viable form of urban transport in Dakar. Not only do they carry people of all classes and walks of life, but they are also the primary means of transporting merchandise like fruits, vegetables, and live animals from the outskirts to the center of Dakar. Colobane Express follows the trials and tribulations of a car rapide driver and his apprentice. On the road, the two must always be on their toes, ready to manage the many conflicts and accidents that are constantly lurking around the corner.

About the Director

Khady Sylla

Khady Sylla was born in 1963 in Senegal and studied philosophy in Paris at École Normale Supérieure from 1986 to 1992. She became interested in a literary career, taught basic education to migrant workers and wrote many short stories and a novel, Le Jeu de la Mer (The Game of the Sea), before embarking on film production. She is part of an early wave of African women filmmakers and worked on and participated in different projects, including an adaptation of Le jeu de la mer, in collaboration with Jean Rouche. She also taught German at Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. Khady passed away in October 2013 at the age of 46 in Dakar. Learn More