King of the Arena

Originating as a seasonal competition to test the skills and strength of young Senegalese men’s once the hard graft of the harvest was over, traditional wrestling has evolved into a frenzied combo of boxing and grappling. In a country where the average income is $10 a day, six-figure prizes for the top fighters have become the norm.

King Of The Arena is a portrait of Domou Walo, one of many young men fighting for a better life. From a family of wrestlers, Domou believes that wrestling is his destiny, and knows it represents a better future for his young wrestling team, his huge family, his disabled father, and himself. Through Domou we unearth the athleticism, mysticism, ritual, violence and brotherhood of a sport so close to the heart of ancient and modern Senegal.