Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed
1948, English. Directed by Jean Rouch.
Filmed in Firgoun, Niger, the film documents an initiation ceremony in which a young Songhay woman undergoes ritual preparation for the dance of possession. Led by zima (ritual priests), the ganandi ceremony teaches the structured movements and ritual practices required for participation in spirit possession rites associated with Kirey, the spirit of thunder. The film records the process through which the initiate is prepared to serve as a ceremonial medium within the community’s ritual tradition.
- Runtime
- 0h 22m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 February 1948.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 22 February 1948
- Original title
- Initiation à la danse des possédés
- Country
- France, Niger
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News & fan talk
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Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed: quick answers
Is Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed worth watching?
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed?
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed runs 22 minutes (0h 22m).
Does Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed yet.
Which OTT platform is Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed on?
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 February 1948. (Checked 14 November 2026.)
What movies are like Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed?
If you liked Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed, try Ex Libris: The New York Public Library, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, The Class of ‘92.
Who directed Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed?
Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed (1948) was directed by Jean Rouch.