What’s it about?

Two days before a meeting that will determine his application for asylum, Souleymane (Abou Sangare) ekes out an existence on his bicycle working for a meal delivery service in Paris.

What’d we think?

Em Tabler says: The Story of Souleymane is a quiet, raw film, showing an unglamorous Paris and the reality of asylum seekers lives with dignity and realism. Tightly shot with no score, it’s easy to be sucked into Souleymane’s world by Abou Sangare’s beautifully understated performance. It’s easy to see why he has won a number of best actor awards for his first film. As Souleymane struggles with telling his truth or giving a story that may increase his chances of asylum, the lack of inflated drama lets the natural tension shine. It’s the kind of film that you leave and don’t want to put the radio on for the drive home, the characters deserve more of your time and thought.