Clando. 1996. Ivory Coast/France. Written and directed by Jean-Marie Téno. With Paulin Fodouop, Henriette Fenda, Caroline Redl. DCP. In French, German; English subtitles. 96 min.
Known for his significant documentary work in Cameroon, Jean-Marie Téno turns his sharp observational skills to exposing his country’s postcolonial struggles and repression in his only fiction film, Clando. After losing his job as a computer engineer and being tortured by the regime for anti-government activities, Anatole becomes an illegal cab driver (“clando”) before moving to Cologne, Germany, where he tries to join the resistance overseas alongside other African immigrants. Torn between impotence in his home country and alienation in exile, a love affair with a German activist pushes him to a political and personal resolution.