Noces d’Eau Film review


A cinematic dive into heritage and mysticism
A YOGI TIMES Exclusive Review
Witnessing Noces d’Eau was more than just viewing a film—it was a soulful journey into the heart of ancestral memory, connection, and the supernatural. Being among the first to experience this masterpiece and following Aurielle Jioya’s evolution from a celebrated photographer to a visionary filmmaker, we couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to her work.
In this 21-minute gem, Joya transports us into the world of Kémi, a young man of Beninese descent whose journey back to his roots intertwines the spiritual with the real. It’s a story that is as personal as it is universal—an exploration of identity and the whispers of generations past.
A story that resonates

Set in Benin, where the land seems to breathe with history, Noces d’Eau follows Kémi’s pilgrimage to a guesthouse that once belonged to his grandfather.
The discovery of a weathered photograph ignites his quest, but this is no ordinary homecoming. The arrival of Angèle, a spectral yet captivating figure who claims a connection to Kémi’s grandfather, propels the story into the mystical.
What follows is an evocative dance between heritage and the supernatural. Joya masterfully layers Kémi’s unravelling with the universal themes of diaspora—the longing for belonging and the pull of one’s roots.
Through Kémi, the film asks us to ponder: How much of who we are is shaped by those who came before us? Can the past ever be fully reconciled, or does it linger like an echo on the wind forever?
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A vision realized
As long-time admirers of Aurielle Joya’s artistry, we were thrilled—but not surprised—to see Noces d’Eau receive such prestigious recognition, including the Canal+ Special Prize for Best Female Director and awards for Best Script and Best Costume Design at Cine 229.
These accolades testify to Joya’s talent for weaving intricate stories that stir and spellbound audiences.
A visual poem that moves the senses

Aurielle Joya’s visual storytelling is where her photography roots shine most vividly. Noces d’Eau is a feast for the senses, with every frame bursting with intention and meaning.
The lush landscapes of Benin are juxtaposed against the guesthouse’s intimate, almost eerie interiors, creating a tapestry of contrasts that draw the viewer into the duality of Kémi’s journey.
Water, a recurring motif, serves as both a literal and symbolic presence—life-giving and fluid yet capable of drowning us in its depths. Light dances across its surfaces, creating a visual metaphor for the tension between clarity and mystery that permeates the film.
Genuine performances
The cast delivers performances that anchor the film’s emotional and mystical weight.
Sèdo Tossou’s performance as Kémi is a revelation. The film captures the quiet turmoil of a man grappling with the shadows of his past.
Opposite him, Mawena Takpa as Angèle is both haunting and magnetic, her presence bridging the earthly and the otherworldly. Their chemistry is palpable, pulling us into the gravity of their shared story.
A journey to savour
Joya’s directorial voice is one of deep care and poetry. She allows the story to unfold with an organic rhythm, leaning into moments of silence that speak louder than words.
While some might wish for a more explicit exploration of specific narrative threads—such as Kémi’s grandfather’s story or the origins of Angèle’s connection—this ambiguity feels intentional, inviting the audience to sit with their questions, just as Kémi must.
Closing thoughts on a moving short film
Noces d’Eau is more than a film—it’s a meditation on who we are, where we come from, and the invisible threads that tether us to our past. Witnessing it is diving into a world where culture and mysticism blend seamlessly, creating an experience as fluid and transformative as water.
Aurielle Joya has proven herself a storyteller with profound depth and vision. From her days capturing life’s fleeting moments through a lens to crafting a cinematic masterpiece that lingers in the heart, her journey as an artist continues to inspire us.
We left the screening not only moved but also reflective—of our heritage, connection to those who came before, and the mysteries of the unseen. And isn’t that what great art is all about?
★★★★☆