Aya of Yop City

Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie's 2013 animation is adapted from their own graphic novel and set in the Yopougon district of Abidjan at the end of the seventies. Aya wants to become a doctor and studies; her friends Adjoua and Bintou spend their evenings dancing and with boys. Adjoua's pregnancy upsets the balance of the neighbourhood and the question of paternity becomes a negotiation between families. The film stands outside the habit of describing Africa through war or poverty; what it shows is the daily life, gossip and humour of a functioning neighbourhood. The women's choices are presented without judgement and the behaviour of their fathers is the film's real criticism. The drawing keeps the colour palette of the comic. Who it's for: viewers curious about animation for adults and West African culture. Who it's not for: anyone wanting to watch with children; the film handles adult subjects directly.