Capturing the dramatic green-yellow landscape of West Africa with clear, cold photography, YEELEN is the bold story of Nianankoro, a young man with great powers. He is cursed by his evil father, Soma, who is pursuing him with the help of prayers to the gods and the magic post--a compass-like instrument carried between two servant men. Nianakoro's mother sends him off across the land to escape his father and seek his uncle--his father's twin, Djigui Diarra. Along the way Nianankoro has a series of adventures. He uses his special powers to help a tribe that is being threatened by warriors. And, when called upon by the king of the tribe to cure his youngest wife of her infertility, Nianankoro learns a hard lesson about honor. Meanwhile, Soma is meeting with a group of talismen to whom he explains his need to kill his son. He conducts a chanting ritual with them, under the influence of strong grog. The speech and singing of the Bambara people is rhythmic and uniquely musical and adds to the film's already mysterious premise. Based on a Bambaran creation myth, the story shows Nianankoro's struggle to depose the corrupt ruling power represented by Soma, resulting in knowledge for all.