Observing quite by accident the vigilante justice being meted out to a teenage boy whose life is at risk for stealing a hen and four chicks; and then coming upon a bit of matter-of-fact misogyny in a listing of a husband's rule of law within the household, Jean-Marie Téno (Clando; Africa, I Will Fleece You) is inspired to reflect upon life in Cameroon, “where the widespread cult of the chief has become a cynical caricature of its traditional African concept. Téno draws a biting portrait of corruption, violence, and misery-the real triumvirate that rules political and personal lives in his home country. Chief! is part of the growing criticism by vanguard African filmmakers of the role played by modern African governments, coupled with the complaisance of the people, in shaping the continent's current political climate.”-S.F. Int'l Film Festival