21st SALENTO INTL FILM FESTIVAL

“United for Bissau” is a documentary directed by Iara Lee that explores the struggle of women in Guinea-Bissau, a West African country, to overcome patriarchy and create a more just and self-sufficient society. The film follows several local women who actively work to change their community through agroecology, a sustainable agricultural practice that helps ensure food self-sufficiency.

These courageous women also challenge entrenched social and cultural norms by opposing female genital mutilation (FGM) and rejecting forced marriage, both harmful practices that have long been imposed on women in many parts of the world. Through their actions, these women not only seek to protect their physical integrity and self-determination, but also to educate and raise awareness in their community about women’s rights and the importance of gender equality. The film is inspired by the legacy of Amílcar Cabral, the independence leader of Guinea-Bissau, who placed women’s rights at the center of the country’s struggle for independence and liberation. “United for Bissau” shows how the women of the new generation are taking inspiration from his example to reclaim and reaffirm their power in a society that has historically marginalized them. This documentary not only celebrates their courage and resilience, but also serves as an inspiration to other similar communities around the world.