Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed

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. Watch Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed in HD free online now on SFlix with multiple servers and instant playback. Enjoy high-quality streaming of Initiation into the Dance of the Possessed and share your thoughts in the comments below!