“Ni chaînes ni maîtres”, available on VOD, deserves to be seen, discussed, and celebrated for what it is: a cry for freedom and a lesson in hope.
A bold step for french cinema
French cinema, often criticized for its lack of diversity and reluctance to directly confront major historical issues, has found a compelling voice in Ni chaînes ni maîtres. Simon Moutaïrou’s debut feature film stands as a milestone in the representation of historical narratives surrounding slavery and marronage. By portraying the quest for freedom of Massamba and his daughter Mati in 18th-century Île de France (now Mauritius), the director delivers a poignant and essential work.
Premiering at the 2024 Deauville Festival in the “Window on French Cinema” section, Ni chaînes ni maîtres immediately captivated critics and audiences alike. Falila Gbadamassi from France Info describes it as a “hard-hitting chronicle of resistance to slavery,” blending “action, thriller, and fantasy.” Eva Sauphie from Jeune Afrique calls the film a “necessary account of the process of emancipation by enslaved people themselves,” while France Antilles hails it as a “raw and powerful fiction serving history.”
With an average rating of 3.4/5 on Allociné, the film joins a rare but important tradition of French narratives exploring the scars of slavery. Critics highlight not only its historical importance but also its ability to reach a broad audience through immersive direction and unforgettable performances.
Ni chaînes ni maîtres stands out for its meticulously crafted aesthetics. Director Simon Moutaïrou juxtaposes Mauritius’ idyllic landscapes—lush greens and deep blues—with the brutality of slavery. This powerful contrast echoes Moutaïrou’s description of the island as an “Eden tainted by an original sin.” The film’s cinematography is further enhanced by Amine Bouhafa’s music, which transcends scenes, turning each sequence into a poetic meditation on resilience and the pursuit of freedom.
The casting choices also amplify the film’s emotional impact. Ibrahima Mbaye delivers a rare intensity as Massamba, whose determination to protect his daughter transcends both visible and invisible chains of slavery. Thiandoum Anna Diakhere brings freshness and depth to her role as Mati, a young woman ready to face the unimaginable to escape oppression. Meanwhile, Camille Cottin’s chilling portrayal of Madame La Victoire, a slave hunter, serves as a reminder that history is also shaped by its antagonists.
Ni chaînes ni maîtres directly tackles a historical memory long marginalized in French cinema. While Hollywood has long explored slavery narratives, this film ventures into a relatively uncharted territory in France. Inspired by research from historians such as Amédée Nagapen, the film balances historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, offering a nuanced reflection on the struggles of marooned slaves.
The film does more than recount history; it resonates with contemporary debates on inequality, colonial memory, and the representation of Afro-descendant narratives in the arts. By centering its story on Black characters, Ni chaînes ni maîtres shifts traditional perspectives, reminding us that enslaved individuals were not mere victims but active agents in their own liberation.
From its release, the film showed promising box-office performance, drawing 13,338 viewers on its opening day and accumulating 119,285 admissions in its first week. These figures reflect the audience’s appetite for works that explore complex and emotionally rich subjects. Its selection at Deauville and screenings at other prestigious festivals confirm its status as a major production.
The work has also sparked discussions beyond the cinema. Academics like Emmanuel Garnier of CNRS have praised its quasi-documentary approach, while activists have emphasized its role in deconstructing Eurocentric narratives.
Ni chaînes ni maîtres is far more than a film. It is an invitation to reflect on the legacies of the past and their resonance in the present. By delving into a dark chapter of history, it illuminates the struggles for dignity and freedom, reminding us that these battles are not confined to the past.
This debut feature by Simon Moutaïrou marks a turning point in French cinema. With its visual power, committed storytelling, and unforgettable performances, Ni chaînes ni maîtres positions itself as an essential work for anyone interested in history and humanity.
Available on VOD, this film deserves to be seen, discussed, and celebrated for what it is: a cry for freedom and a lesson in hope.
