Cheick Oumar Sissoko’s Bold Retelling of the House of Abraham: A Drama of Faith, Family, and Vengeance

Malian filmmaker Cheick Oumar Sissoko crafts a deeply emotional and visually striking drama inspired by the powerful biblical stories of Jacob and his family from Genesis 33-37. At the center is Jacob (played by the remarkable Sotigui Kouyate), a grieving father devastated by the mysterious disappearance of his beloved son Joseph—who is feared lost to wild beasts roaming the wilderness.

Jacob’s troubles multiply as his fierce brother Esau (portrayed by Salif Keita) pursues him with burning resentment, bitter over the stolen birthright and patiently awaiting revenge.

But the heart of the film’s conflict lies in the tragic fate of Jacob’s daughter Dina (Fatoumata Diawara), who is kidnapped and violated by Sichem, a Canaanite prince. Though Sichem pledges marriage in repentance, Jacob’s sons, led by Leah’s children, erupt in violent fury. Their retaliatory attack brutally wipes out the male population of Sichem’s city, sparing only the chief, Hamor (Balla Moussa Keita). This brutal massacre leaves Dina traumatized and mentally broken.

The film’s powerful finale is an imaginative re-creation of Jacob’s legendary night wrestling with God—a symbolic struggle that captures the tension, faith, and transformation at the core of his journey.

Sissoko’s film is a bold cinematic exploration of family loyalty, betrayal, justice, and spiritual wrestling that breathes new life into these ancient biblical narratives with raw emotion and striking performances.