L'Histoire de Souleymane

Saw this at the Ghent 2024 filmfestival. Filmed from so close by that it is awkward to sit through all the mishaps that our main character must go through. (This is not meant as a complaint against the filmmakers.) It seems like everyone and everything is against him. We know that there is no conspiracy against him, but his way of earning money is semi-illegal (he is not allowed to work, not yet) hence needs to do it via sub-contracting, so he carries all the risks and earns relatively little money. The camera closely following him on his delivery route, gives a compelling impression of what he must go through. Not only do his deliveries take more time than planned, it also endangers his timely arrival at the bus stop where he is transported to the shelter for the night, where he can sleep, shower and wash his clothes.

Then there is Barry, the so-called social worker, who is not very helpful either, being more interested in money than following up on his promises. He gives lots of pointers what to include in the story, pushing him to memorize as many details as possible. He says all this is required to prove the authenticity of the story why he left his country. All of that would ultimately provide a permit to stay and work in France. However, Barry does not invest enough time in proper preparations. He also insists on getting paid before he passes some necessary papers on. And what is worse, during the final interview we learn that this preparation falls flat: the very same story, including lots of details he had to learn by heart, was presented literally three times in the same week, so clearly not genuine.

The final interview runs its course in two phases. Firstly, the prepared story is told and recorded, after which it comes out that the story is certainly not his personal story. (They heard it before, even three times that week, with the exact same details.) Secondly, he gets the chance to correct and augment, and we hear the real story behind his flight, which is also added to his record. We do not hear the end result of it, however.

Really really good movie. Both thrilling as a movie and super well documented on what subsaharan migrants are facing in France (and more generally in Europe) when trying to survive and get asylum.

Very much recommended. Not a moment felt fake and this movies shines a light on these immigration questions that are at the heart of politics discourse these days is super interesting.

Abou Sangare, the lead actor, is fascinating, despite having no acting history, it seems.

I felt that one of the great strengths of the movies is how everybody's point of view feels relatable.

I hope this becomes recommended viewing in schools.

What can i say. This movie holds you the whole way through. The story of Souleymane is a familiar one but told with such heart and soul you are with him all the way. The reality for asylum seekers everywhere is an unrelenting one. Through his eyes we feel his despair and hope for the change he wants. The performances are flawless from everyone involved and the stress we feel for his journey is very real. What a writing and acting achievement. Much of the story is filmed in the 9th and i felt it gave a voice to the plight of the asylum seekers looking for work, hope for a life here and the respect they deserve. Incredible movie. I never give a 10/10 but I couldn't see a flaw.

A well rounded film where we get to witness an Asylum Seeker's life in a France for 3 days. Film does a great job portraying emotions and moral dilemma of the lead character who toils all day to just to pass his interview and get an asylum. We witness personal struggles of the character that brought him to France while preparing for his upcoming interview where he often receives contradicting advice on how to 'crack' the interview. The film can feel slightly cramped due to the range of struggles we get to witness that the lead character undergoes just within the period of 3 days coupled with the moral contradiction. I don't particularly have a criticism but probably wouldn't be my first pick for the Cannes Jury Prize but nevertheless a great watch.

What a sad way to see my natal city!

Only kidding, I enjoyed every moment of this 'story' but my enjoyment was only about this battler who brought tears in many viewers eyes.

I did not mind to see the hardship one goes trough to try to make a decent living.

Although I do understand the fine balance governments have to juggle with to be human but not invaded. I wish no one would have to go through such difficulties. But one can't dismiss reality It is interesting to learn that many actors weren't proffessionals and so could give authenticity to such a story.

I realise after watching this film we all go home and face many other situations and soon may forget about all the Souleymen. Then some may not...