Aired recently on Canal+, L’Histoire de Souleymane, directed by Boris Lojkine, is a powerful and immersive drama inspired by the real story of Abou Sangaré, a young undocumented Guinean man in Paris who plays the lead role — essentially portraying a version of himself. His deeply moving performance earned him the César Award for Most Promising Actor in February 2025, shortly after receiving his French residency in January.
The film centers on Souleymane, a man in his early twenties facing three urgent goals: earn enough to eat, find a place to sleep, and prepare for his asylum interview. Filmed with raw handheld camerawork and devoid of moralizing or overt exposition, the viewer is brought into every moment of his struggle — his problems becoming ours through sheer proximity and realism.
The film’s tone echoes the work of the Dardenne brothers, particularly Rosetta (1999). Like that landmark film, Souleymane strips away cinematic gloss to reveal the quiet heroism of daily survival. There’s no romanticism, yet the narrative feels deeply human and dramatic, showing that a life on the margins is no less worthy of epic storytelling.
This is not another generic tale of migration — it’s a grounded, urgent look at one man’s determination to find legitimacy, dignity, and a place to belong.
🎬 Watch the official trailer!
🌍 L’Histoire de Souleymane is the powerful, César-winning French drama based on a true story of survival and resilience.
👀 Watch the trailer now and immerse yourself in Souleymane’s emotional journey.
