Sembene's "Xala": Alternatives to the Representation of Africa in Colonial and Neocolonial Novels and Films

This dissertation concludes that the Haggard Rider quest narrative template of King Solomon's Mines is still evident in contemporary western novels and films and that despite the achievements of the African novel and cinema over five decades, the challenge of decolonization is still great. There is a need to sustain Sembene's vision of literature and film as tools for decolonization and for reconstructing Africa's history and reclaiming its stolen heritage.