"Moolaade" is a powerful personalization of the controversial practice of female circumcision that continues in 39 African countries. Director/writer Ousmane Sembene ("Guelwaar"), considered the father of African cinema, immerses the audience in the daily life of a contemporary African village. Goats and other animals roam among the small family dwellings while plasticware and contemporary clothing are sold at overcharged prices. The women's radios are their main source of news of outside life. The village is dominated by hierarchical levels of control in which everyone but the highest chief must defer to someone else, and husbands have unlimited power over their multiple wives.

Four young girls have fled their circumcision ceremony and desperately appeal to Colle (Fatoumata Coulibaly) for protection. They have seen first-hand the agony and even death that can result from the traditional purification ritual. The lingering pain and physical scars from her own purification ceremony had caused Colle to prevent her daughter Asmatou (Salimata Traore) from being circumcised. Colle, the second of three wives, declares that the girls are under moolaade, a traditional protection, while in her compound.

While presenting a fascinating view of contemporary Africa, Sembene masterfully focuses on the human costs of the traditional practices as Colle fights resistance both from the young girls' relatives and from the male village leaders. The tribal chiefs see Colle's stand as a threat to their authority and their repressive interpretation of Islam, and they retaliate against all the women.

Coulibaly gives Colle a quiet strength as she becomes increasingly defiant. She finds unexpected and secret allies in her attempts to improve the lives and futures of the young women. Colle's struggle builds to a stirring and gripping climax as she becomes a compelling example of the struggle of many women throughout the world who challenge oppressive traditions. Starring Fatoumata Coulibaly, Maimouna Helene Diarra and Salimata Traore. Directed and written by Ousmane Sembene. Produced by Ousmane Sembene and Thierry Lenouvel. A New Yorker release. Drama. Bambara-, Wolof- and Diola-languages, subtitled. Unrated. Running time: 119 min.