
A Nation Is Born is a 19-minute Senegalese documentary directed and written by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra. Through allegorical dance scenes and celebrations, it traces Senegal’s movement from colonization toward sovereignty and reclaimed independence, with narration by Bachir Touré in French and Wolof.
A Nation Is Born presents Senegal’s transition from colonization to sovereignty in a compact documentary format. Rather than relying only on direct historical exposition, the film uses dance and public celebration as allegorical ways to express the country’s newly reclaimed independence.
Directed and written by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, the 19-minute film is rooted in Senegalese cultural and political history. Bachir Touré provides the voice of the narrator, while the film’s spoken languages are French and Wolof.
A Nation Is Born movie details
| Title | A Nation Is Born |
|---|---|
| Original title | Une nation est née |
| Release date | |
| Runtime | 19m |
| Genres | Documentary |
| Director | Paulin Soumanou Vieyra |
| Writer | Paulin Soumanou Vieyra |
| Country | Senegal |
| Languages | French, Wolof |
| Status | Released |
Story without spoilers
The documentary follows Senegal’s progression from the colonial period to independence and sovereignty. Its historical subject is conveyed through scenes of dance and celebrations associated with the country’s reclaimed independence, giving the film an expressive, symbolic approach to national history.
At 19 minutes, A Nation Is Born offers a focused account rather than an expansive survey. The supplied synopsis identifies its central movement clearly: a nation’s passage from colonization toward self-determination.
What to expect
Viewers can expect a short documentary shaped around national history, independence and cultural expression. Dance functions as an allegorical element, while celebrations provide the setting for the film’s depiction of Senegal’s newly reclaimed sovereignty.
The film’s French and Wolof language track, along with its Senegalese production context, places the subject within the country’s own linguistic and cultural frame. The available information points to a concise, symbolic historical documentary rather than a feature-length biographical or analytical work.
Cast and creative team
Paulin Soumanou Vieyra directed and wrote A Nation Is Born. Bachir Touré appears as himself in the role of the narrator, providing the film’s voice narration. No other cast or crew members are listed in the supplied credits.
- Bachir Touré as Self – Narrator (voice)
Release and production context
A Nation Is Born is a Senegalese documentary with a runtime of 19 minutes. It is listed with a release date of September 19, 2026, and its status is recorded as Released. The film’s spoken languages are French and Wolof. Its listed production company is Ministère de l'information et des télécommunications.
Production companies: Ministère de l'information et des télécommunications
Movies Dock view
With its brief runtime and allegorical treatment of independence, A Nation Is Born offers a concentrated portrait of Senegal’s journey from colonization to sovereignty. Its combination of narration, dance and celebration makes national history the film’s central subject while keeping the presentation concise.
Frequently asked questions
What is A Nation Is Born about?
It depicts Senegal’s progression from colonization to sovereignty through allegorical dance scenes and celebrations of its reclaimed independence.
Who directed A Nation Is Born?
Paulin Soumanou Vieyra directed the film.
Who wrote A Nation Is Born?
Paulin Soumanou Vieyra wrote the film.
Who narrates A Nation Is Born?
Bachir Touré is credited as the narrator, appearing as himself through voice narration.
How long is A Nation Is Born?
The documentary has a runtime of 19 minutes.















