The Story Of Souleymane: A Raw, Gripping & Gritty Film About Asylum Seekers’ Experiences

Depictions of the hardships of asylum seekers attempting to settle into new countries always provide thought-provoking and profoundly compelling viewing — The Story Of Souleymane carries on this tradition.

The film provides a gripping, gritty and confronting insight into an illegal food delivery worker named Souleymane, who races against the clock throughout the streets of Paris. He’s a Guinean immigrant working as diligently as possible, attempting to earn the money required for documents which may hopefully aid in the approval of his asylum application.

“No money no documents!” he’s mercilessly told by a lazy fellow immigrant who coaches asylum applicants with false political persecution stories they must tell at hearings.

He pensively practices for his interview while riding his bike, the mandatory interview he must sit where his past will be examined closely and thoroughly.

“I don’t know why I came to France,” Souleymane laments in one of the darker moments of the film, when he realises he hasn’t been paid fairly for the work he has completed.

Anxiety, negative or untruthful responses will assuredly negate his application. But can Souleymane raise the required fee for the documents in two days?  Will he be successful in the interview which would potentially lead to happiness and prosperity in a new country?

Directed by Boris Loikine this award-winning French cinematic offering stars Abou Sangaré in the titular role as Souleymane. Sangaré who immigrated to France, responded to an open casting winning the role of Souleymane with no acting experience. It was reportedly this acting role which assured Sangaré’s secure permanent residency in France.

Sangaré’s performance is raw and authentic in this high paced drama, a performance which successfully evokes a sense of urgency in each scene. His performance is effective – more aptly a performance that delivers stressful viewing where intensity heightens in the second act as Souleymane’s  struggles escalate. It’s difficult to believe this was his first time in front of the cameras.

The cast is predominantly black and surprisingly there are no depictions of racism, but regardless it’s a story which perfectly highlights the challenges and personal issues these asylum seekers must overcome in a city devoid of kindness and compassion, as depersonalization filters through.

The final scene in The Story Of Souleymane may divide audiences, leaving them with more questions than answers – a finale that allows audiences to decide the outcome of the narrative.

The Story Of Souleymane

****

In Cinemas Now