‘Souleymane’s Story’ Movie Review: Humanistic Approach Powers Immigrant Tale

Souleymane’s Story, winner of the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Un Certain Regard Best Actor Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is now playing at New York’s Film at Lincoln Center and the IFC Center. This feature is CinemAddicts co-host Bruce Purkey’s top film pick of the week. Check out his review for more details on Souleymane’s Story.

Guinean immigrant Souleymane (Abou Sangare) is struggling to survive as he earns money making food deliveries on his bicycle. In two days he will report for an asylum application interview and discuss his case to an immigration officer (Nina Meurisse). His future in France hangs in the balance, and he must ace that interview.

Both Bruce Purkey and Eric Holmes praised Souleymane’s Story in their respective reviews. Listen to this week’s CinemAddicts for their insights on the Boris Lojkine directed film:

In his review, Purkey noted the “humanistic” approach to immigration that is captured in Souleymane’s Story. Our protagonist might have to stretch the truth in order to stay in Paris.

“It’s interesting in the fact that we’re supposed to sympathize with him,” said Purkey. “And the basis of that is that he’s not going to be telling the truth. I could see people on a certain side of the political spectrum saying, ‘Look, they’re just lying to us and they’re really bad people. But a big part of this movie is getting past that or understanding the system (regarding immigration). Will their real human stories be enough to be allowed in society, or do they have to (create) something spectacular or harrowing in order to be accepted in society?”

Souleymane’s Story is now playing at New York’s Film at Lincoln Center and the IFC Center. Starting August 8 it hits Los Angeles and will play at the Laemmle Royal. Share your thoughts on the film in the comments!