Saloum, from Senegal with Fear

Fela Kuti might have said “music is the weapon…of the future,” but for the mercenaries known as “the Hyenas of Bangui,” guns and “voodoo”-like magic are better weapons. Their bwiti practitioner, Papa Minuit, covers their magical six. However, they will be severely out magically-gunned when they take refuge in the notoriously haunted Sine-Saloum delta region in director-screenwriter Jean Luc Herbulot’s Saloum, which releases today on BluRay,

Chaka leads the Hyenas from their base in the Central African Republic, but he originally hails from Senegal’s Sine-Saloum. For their latest gig, the Hyenas must safely escort a Mexican drug-lord out of the chaos of Guinea-Bissau’s 2003 coup. Unfortunately, a bullet nicks the fuel line of their getaway plane, forcing an emergency landing in Sine-Saloum, where Cheika happens to know a “nearby” (eight hour’s walk) artist’s retreat.

Except, their detour was no accident. Cheika engineered it, because he seems to have unfinished business with Omar, the proprietor, who can’t quite remember where or when they met. The family-style meals will be especially awkward, since they must share them with Souley Fale, a cop supposedly on vacation and Awa, a deaf-mute who makes it known to Cheika (through sign language) she knows who they are and she will expose them, unless he agrees to take her with them.

Initially, the Hyenas want nothing to do with the demanding Awa. However, when the local demonic monsters start attacking the guests through their ears, her deafness becomes an unlikely asset. For years, Omar kept them in check through a Faustian bargain, but Cheika’s plans upset the balance.

The swarming entities looking surprisingly cool on-camera, especially considering the film’s extreme budget constraints. They are also quite distinctively different from just about every other supernatural bogeyman horror fans might have seen before.

Yet, Herbulot does not merely overachieve with the special effects. Saloum is uncannily atmospheric and increasingly unnerving. Arguably, this is the most satisfying, relentlessly super-charged African film since Viva Riva! (exclamation point in title).

Yann Gael broods and seethes like a man possessed playing Cheika.  Somewhat eerily, but appropriately, the late Mentor Ba (in his final role) is massively spooky as Minuit. Evelyne Ily Juhen also deserves a lot of credit for busting up stereotypes with her forceful portrayal of Awa.

Folk horror has been having a moment lately, but Saloum (admittedly a festival favorite) should be even more prominent in that discussion. Herbulot and his writing and producing partner Pamela Diop stamped their passion and energy on every frame. Highly recommended for all genre fans (not just horror fans), Saloum releases today (12/31) on BluRay (and it streams on Shudder).