Sum Sum Saba

Sum Sum is Senegalese liquor that reportedly "makes the sun shine in your head," but above all causes serious personal and social problems. The traditionally distilled beverage is extremely addictive and can even become lethal. The many addicts in Senegal are jestingly called "Sum Sum Saba," which basically means "disciples of Sum Sum." The booze is sold illegally in poor neighbourhoods, where the addicts mostly live in the streets. Filmmaker Adams Sie describes the problems brought about by Sum Sum by introducing people who are most directly involved with the liquor. Addicts and former addicts, relatives, dealers and local residents talk candidly about their experiences with Sum Sum. Furthermore, the director tries to find an answer to the question as to why the government and police do so little to deal with this problem.