No Chains, No Masters

On Mauritius in 1759, the island is under French control and enslaved people toil in brutal sugar plantations, living under fear. In this oppressive world, Massamba, Mati's weary father, has lost hope, but his sixteen-year-old daughter refuses to bend. Mati keeps her head up, seeking small acts of resistance and a chance to be seen. As guards tighten their grip, she defies the routine of plantation life, speaking out in whispered conversations and risking danger to help her community. The story brings to life a web of relationships among master and overseer figures, including Madame La Victoire, Eugène Larcenet, and Barbe Blanche, who shape Mati's choices. Through courage and cunning, Mati challenges the chain of oppression without losing her humanity.

Released in 2024, No Chains, No Masters is directed by Hassam Ghancy and Simon Moutaïrou. The film rests on a screenplay about enslaved people on Mauritius during the 18th century, with a cast led by Ibrahima Mbaye and Anna Thiandoum.

Box office data for No Chains, No Masters has not been publicly disclosed. Information about its commercial performance and audience turnout is not currently available. Additional details from distributors or festival listings have not been released in limited release worldwide.

As of now there are no major nominations or wins listed for No Chains, No Masters. The 2024 historical drama centers on life on a Mauritian sugar plantation and the defiant stance of Mati, a sixteen year old who refuses to yield. Festivals may yet pick up the film worldwide.

Early notes suggest the film offers a stark look at colonial power and a woman's courage. Its themes include oppression, resistance, family tension, and the cost of freedom, with Mati's perspective shaping the narrative and inviting reflection on history. Performances by Ibrahima Mbaye and Anna Thiandoum add gravity and endurance.