The Hauka movement consisted of mimicry and dancing to become possessed by British Colonial administrators.

The participants performed the same elaborate military ceremonies of their colonial occupiers, but in more of a trance than true recreation.

The Hauka movement, according to some anthropologists was a form of resistance that began in Niger, but spread to other parts of Africa.

"[2] Les maîtres fous offended both colonial authorities and African students alike.

[2] The film was considered offensive to colonial authorities because of the Africans' blatant attempts to mimic and mock the "white oppressors".