Doha Film Institute
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A touching narrative that examines the complexities of love against the backdrop of cultural and societal expectations in a remote village in northern Senegal.
A touching narrative that examines the complexities of love against the backdrop of cultural and societal expectations in a remote village in northern Senegal. This Palme d'Or-nominated romantic drama film portrays the deep bond between starcrossed lovers Banel and Adama as they navigate the challenges posed by their community and traditions.

The narrative is not just a confrontation between tradition and emerging feminist consciousness but also delves into the conflict between individual desires and collective responsibilities. Through Banel's defiance against gendered expectations and Adama's reluctance to assume his hereditary role, the film presents a poignant exploration of the tensions between personal freedom and cultural heritage.

Credits

Director
Ramata-Toulaye Sy
Screenwriter
Ramata-Toulaye Sy
Producer
Eric Névé, Margaux Juvénal, Maud Leclair Névé
Cinematographer
Amine Berrada
Editor
Vincent Tricon
Production Company
La Chauve-Souris, Take Shelter, Astou Films, Astou Production, DS Productions, Canal+ International, Arte France Cinéma
Production Designer
Oumar Sall
Sales Company
Best Friend Forever
Sound
Benjamin Silvestre
Mixing
Jean-Pierre Laforce
Music
Bachar Mar-Khalifé

About the Director

Ramata-Toulaye Sy
French-Senegalese Ramata-Toulaye Sy, born and raised in the Paris region, embarked on her cinematic journey at La Fémis, enrolling in the Screenwriting department in 2011 and graduating in 2015. Throughout her career, she has contributed as a screenwriter to notable films such as ‘Sibel’ (2018) by Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, and ‘Our Lady of the Nile’ (2019) by Atiq Rahimi. In 2020, R