Film connects Senegalese religious leader to railway history
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Abdoul Aziz Al Hussein Diop’s film, “7e Gare,” traces the religious and intellectual journey of Mame Maodo, Seydil Hadj Malick Sy, across Senegal, beyond his home city of Tivaouane.
Diop’s film examines how railways physically connected regions within Senegal during the colonial period, enabling trade, interaction, and access to previously isolated areas. He believes these routes also allowed Mame Maodo and other scholars to connect with communities and protect their cultural identity from Western influence.
Mame Maodo reportedly prioritized winning over people’s beliefs over preventing territorial annexation, a philosophy reflected in his use of trains to reach different regions. Diop imbues “7e Gare” with spiritual, mystical, and intellectual meaning, viewing the railway as a tangible link to Senegal’s past. The filmmaker plans to screen the film on October 17, 2026, followed by a discussion about revitalizing Senegal’s railway system.
