Souleymane’s Story

In the opening scenes of Boris Lojkine’s urgent third feature, a Guinean immigrant bicycles frantically from one food delivery pickup to another, the camera racing along just behind him, revealing a singular new view of Paris from the perspective of some of its most underappreciated workers. Over the two days that follow, Souleymane (played by non-professional actor Abou Sangaré in a riveting first performance) struggles to stay afloat while preparing for a crucial immigration asylum interview. Stylistically inspired in part by Cristian Mungiu’s 2007 Cannes winner 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, Lojkine’s bracing, artful realism offers an equally affecting account of a migrant laborer’s experience finding himself caught up in the mechanisms of an uncaring and unforgiving society. Shooting on city streets with concealed cameras, Lojkine creates a simultaneously pulse-pounding and heartrending view of contemporary Parisian life. Winner of four César Awards. A 2025 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema selection. A Kino Lorber release.