In contrast to the younger generation, M. Benoit seems imprisoned by his memories of France - particularly a lost love, Marceline. As it gets closer to his Christmas vacation, he begins to drink heavily, becomes increasingly dissatisfied with his life in Popenguine but doesn't seem to want to return to France either. Concerned by his depression, the entire village, led by Madame Castiloor, sing a praise song to him in the hope that he will stay. But M. Benoit intervenes, echoing the words of Pres. Civilizations die that reject the Other.
Universal civilization is the fruit of give and take.
In one of the small epiphanies the film celebrates, old and young dance together to the strains of a James Brown ballad. M. Benoit is introduced to a beautiful Senegalese woman and even Bacc, after his harrowing ordeals, gets a first kiss from his girlfriend. A surprise, a delight and a genuine discovery. A sort of 'African Side Story', deliciously light with moments of real grace.