Where can I watch Xala (1975)?

In US, Xala is available to stream on Criterion Channel, and rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.

Is Xala worth watching?

Xala holds an audience score of 6.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.

Xala stars Thierno Leye, Myriam Niang, Seune Samb, Fatim Diagne and Younouss Seye.

When was Xala released?

Xala was released in 1975, with a runtime of about 123 minutes.

FeatureComedy

Xala (1975): cast, story & where to watch

1975 · Film · ★ 6.8

Released in 1975, Xala is a comedy film directed by Ousmane Sembène, running about 123 minutes.

What it’s about. It is the dawn of Senegal's independence from France, but as the citizens celebrate in the streets we soon become aware that only the faces have changed. White money still controls the government. One official, Aboucader Beye, known by the title "El Hadji," takes advantage of some of that money to marry his third wife, to the sorrow and chagrin of his first two wives and the resentment of his nationalist daughter. But he discovers on his wedding night that he has been struck with a "xala," a curse of impotence. El Hadji goes to comic lengths to find the cause and remove the xala, resulting in a scathing satirical ending.

Who’s in it. Xala stars Thierno Leye as Hadji Aboucader Beye, Myriam Niang as Rama (as Miriam Niang), Seune Samb as Adja Assatu, Beye's wife and Fatim Diagne as Saleslady / Secretary, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.8/10, Xala has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Xala page.

If you liked it. Fans of Xala tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.

Full details Where to watch →On Amazon ↗

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Xala (1975)?: In US, Xala is available to stream on Criterion Channel, and rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
Is Xala worth watching?: Xala holds an audience score of 6.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Xala?: Xala stars Thierno Leye, Myriam Niang, Seune Samb, Fatim Diagne and Younouss Seye.
When was Xala released?: Xala was released in 1975, with a runtime of about 123 minutes.