Itchombi

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Director:  : Gentille M. Assih
2009, France, Togo, 52’, color
Solla, French with Turkish subtitles

Itchombi, a circumcision ritual for which all members of the Solla people have gathered, is taking place in a village of the Keran region in Togo.  Itchombi is the word referring altogether to the knives, the young men and the ritual itself.  This year, Deou and his next of kin are preparing for the ceremony, dutifully abiding with tradition.  However, for this time they have requested appropriate hygiene conditions, I order to avoid any risk of STD or HIV infection.  The whole community, already in effervescence because of the celebration, excitedly debates about the topic. 

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