In an abandoned factory, a set in the form of a mock slave ship is placed, with ‘Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité’ emblazoned across its upper deck. This symbolic ship serves as a complex, multi-purpose stage that portrays key historical events tied to French colonialism in the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the connections between the West Indies and France. The ship itself is a microcosm of colonialism, illustrating its hierarchies, inequalities, and inner turmoil. From government meetings to street protests, slave trade to labour migration, numerous themes are brought to life through theatrical forms inspired by revue and Brecht, enhanced with dance and music.

Med Hondo’s West Indies: The Fugitive Slaves of Liberty is one of the first of its kind from Africa and, at the time, funded with an unprecedented budget for an African production. Nearly half a century after its release, it continues to shine as a unique masterpiece and a milestone in African cinema.