Zanga returns to the small village of Sekoro in Mali and his old mother. An engineer, he wants to exploit the local river to help the population. When the young woman Penda almost drowns in it, however, the villagers interpret this as a sign that Faro, the goddess of the water, is angry. The village chief decides that it is forbidden to go near the river, something that makes everyday life awkward for the villagers. Zanga is blamed for the tragic events in the river as well as the difficulties that have befallen the village. Can his return have upset the river spirits? Modernity is met by fear and scepticism while the traditional has the place of honour in this beautiful African fable. akl