Souleymane's Story

Racing through the streets of Paris making food deliveries on his bicycle, Guinean immigrant Souleymane (Abou Sangare) is struggling to stay afloat. In two days, he has to report for an asylum application interview, where he must plead his case to an immigration officer (Nina Meurisse) who will determine his future in France. As he rides, he repeats his story. But Souleymane is not ready. Drawing inspiration from Cristian Mungiu’s 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and evoking the humanist films of the Dardennes, Boris Lojkine’s urgent, propulsive third feature never leaves Souleymane’s side in a deeply affecting account of the daily trials and uncertain futures faced by migrants in France and around the world.

“The best discovery of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Souleymane’s Story delivers a political fable with all the grit and urgency of a thriller.” – Rory O’Connor, The Film Stage

“Sangare is magnetic…there appears to be no limit to how much soul and sensitivity the actor can bring.” – Jessica Kiang, Variety

Winner: Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2024 – Jury Prize and Best Actor

Winner: 4 Cesar Awards – Best Screenplay, Best Male Revelation, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing