TIFF ’21 Review: ‘Lingui, The Sacred Bonds’ depicts a struggle for personal autonomy

In some societies, people are forced to navigate strict rules and laws that dictate how they should live and what is unacceptable behaviour. In some countries, women’s lives are much more regulated, resulting in a greater need for solidarity and support — even if it most of it must remain clandestine in order for it and its participants to survive. Sometimes it’s just having someone to turn to when you need to vent, but, more importantly, it’s having someone willing to help when it’s needed most. In Lingui, The Sacred Bonds, a mother and daughter in Chad try every available avenue to avert a life-altering circumstance.

Amina (Achouackh Abakar Souleymane) lives just outside of N’Djamena, Chad’s capital city. Exiled by her family for being an unwed mother, she built a home and her own business selling stoves made of tire wire. However, her daughter Maria’s (Rihane Khalil Alio) strange behaviour reveals she’s now also become pregnant at just 15. Refusing to face the same consequences as her mother, Maria declares she wants an abortion — an illegal procedure in the country and against the laws of Islam. Once the decision is made, Amina is determined to help her daughter by knocking on every door that has even a chance of helping them.

In spite of the unlawfulness of the procedure, their first stop is a doctor who explains because of the risk, it can only be performed at a very high price. Next is a local woman who offers various services, but admits the results are not always favourable. Amina confides in those she trusts in hopes of a safe-as-possible solution, while avoiding the prying inquiries of others who would condemn them both. In the meantime, Maria’s angry outbursts give way to quiet hope as she relies on her mother’s determination and resourcefulness to terminate the unwanted pregnancy.

It’s somewhat shocking that Maria’s school appears to know about her condition before anyone else. Although the woman who conveys the news seems empathetic, it’s clear they also have rules to follow in such cases. Yet, it’s this network of women that circumvent the rules when they know it’s the right thing to do, regardless of what the consequences may be. The film also touches on female circumcision, a widely condemned and illegal practice in most countries, which is primarily imposed on young girls by dominant, ignorant men. While there are surprisingly more than one option for an abortion, each comes with risk whether financial or physical, that the woman must accept to receive the procedure. In other words, she’s forced to choose between destitution, possible death or social exile.

The film culminates in women — some related, others strangers — coming together to confront these issues with the only men seen either reprimanded or hoodwinked, thus emphasizing the united women’s power to protect. This story is brought to life by an outstanding performance by Souleymane, who takes audiences on an emotional but empathetic rollercoaster as she desperately tries to save her daughter from repeating her fate. Even though she’s not dissatisfied with her life, she does not wish the same hardships for her daughter.

Lingui, The Sacred Bonds is screening as part of the Special Presentations programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Read other reviews from the festival.

Director: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Starring: Achouackh Abakar, Rihane Khalil Alio and Youssouf Djaoro