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In the Mauritanian desert there exist 40,000 manuscripts of which the most ancient date from the 13th century and the most recent from the early 20th century. This literary treasure, inherited from the Middle Ages, is made up of scholarly books dealing with religion, astronomy, law, medicine, grammar and poetry… For centuries, Mauritania was one of the major crossroads of the trans-Saharan caravans. This ancient manuscripts reflect the cultural richness of a nomadic civilization that is still very much present in the daily lives of Mauritanians. But its originality lies in the fact that it is alive, and, as in the past, the book is at the heart of social life. But this extraordinary heritage is threatened by the incursions of the desert. This film relates how the current desert inhabitants are mobilizing to conserve and pass on this culture and develop life in this Saharan oasis.

France - 2001 - 52 mn - Betacam Digital - Colour

Réalisation Éric Pittard Scénario Éric Pittard Image Éric Pittard Son Frédéric Grémeaux, Dominique Vieillard Montage Catherine Mabilat

Production Les Films à Lou, 13, rue Portefoin, 75003 Paris, France Co-Production Nota Bene, ARTE France

Ventes Doc & Co, 13, rue Portefoin, 75003 Paris, France Tél : +33 (0)1 4277 5687 Fax : +33 (0)1 4277 3656 E-mail : doc@doc-co.com