SOULEYMANE’S STORY (L’HISTOIRE DE SOULEYMANE)
Boris Lojkine, France, 2024, 92 min, in French, with English subtitles
Cannes FF 2024, Un Certain Regard Best Performance, and Jury Prize, Nominated, Un Certain Regard Award; Jerusalem FF 2024, Winner, Best International Film; Reykjavik FF 2024, Nominated, Best Film; Pingyao FF 2024, Winner, Best Director, Nominated, Best Film
Showtime: Saturday, November 9 2024, at 7:30PM
In Boris Lojkine’s fourth film, the story follows Souleymane (Abou Sangare), an undocumented immigrant from Guinea, over two intense days in Paris. Working as a bike courier, he grapples with the demands of the gig economy, delivering food from morning to night under a rented account within a precarious underground system. While struggling to prepare for an upcoming asylum interview, Souleymane faces the pressures of meeting his broker’s demands for paperwork and payment, all while adhering to the strict rules of his shelter. Amid the chaotic streets, brief moments of warmth and connection highlight his resilience, whether through camaraderie with fellow couriers or tender exchanges with customers. First-time actor Sangare delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Souleymane’s vulnerability and quiet strength, culminating in an emotionally charged asylum interview that will determine his future. Combining the urgency of a thriller with the depth of social drama, Souleymane’s Story offers a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience in modern urban life.
Trailer: http://inter.pyramidefilms.com/images/films/1714/the-story-of-souleymane-trailer.mp4