You are here:

Tall as the Baobab Tree

Name: Tall as the Baobab Tree
Director: Jeremy Teicher
Released: 2012
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2012

Director

Jeremy Teicher

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Tall as the Baobab Tree is a character-driven drama that emphasizes women's ability to drive the story within a traditional African setting. By focusing on a girl's struggle against arranged marriage, the film challenges systemic social structures and promotes individual autonomy. The film excels in its racial and gender representation, moving away from Western-centric perspectives to highlight local protagonists. However, the absence of visible LGBTQ+ representation or disability limits the overall diversity impact. Ultimately, the film serves as a critique of rigid communal norms, using a personal familial struggle to explore broader themes of modern rights versus tradition.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Tall as the Baobab Tree have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or stories related to LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender identities.

How does Tall as the Baobab Tree portray gender?

Good

The story focuses on a teenage girl who drives the plot forward. She actively works to rescue her sister, challenging traditional patriarchal hierarchies and female passivity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tall as the Baobab Tree?

Excellent

Set in a rural African village, the film features a predominantly non-Western cast. This focus on local ability to act provides a strong departure from Eurocentric storytelling norms.

How does Tall as the Baobab Tree represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques traditional social institutions, particularly arranged marriage, by presenting them as obstacles to individual freedom. It explores the tension between modern values and rigid communal traditions.

Does Tall as the Baobab Tree include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Emphasis on women's ability to drive the story and decisive action.
Authentic non-Western setting and predominantly African cast.
Critique of traditional social institutions and arranged marriage.

Limited or Absent

Absence of visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No documented inclusion of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In a rural African village poised at the outer edge of the modern world, a teenage girl hatches a secret plan to rescue her 11-year-old sister from an arranged marriage.

How are these scores produced? →