Kino Lorber Takes French Refugee Drama ‘Souleymane’s Story’ for North America

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Kino Lorber has secured North American distribution rights for Boris Lojkine’s film titled “Souleymane’s Story“, a French drama set in Paris which centers around a bicycle messenger and asylum seeker. This movie was honored with the Jury Prize at Cannes Un Certain Regard last year.

Amateur actor Abou Sangare, portraying the main character Souleymane, garnered acclaim by winning the Un Certain Regard Best Actor award and has since been lauded for his outstanding performance. He received additional accolades including Best Acting awards at the European Film Awards and France’s Césars.

Abou Sangare, a non-professional actor, earned recognition as Souleymane in the lead role and was honored with the Un Certain Regard Best Actor award. His performance has been universally admired, resulting in additional acting awards such as those at the European Film Awards and France’s Césars.

The movie unfolds with the intensity of a time-limit thriller, following Souleymane, a Guinean immigrant in Paris, as he pedals through the city streets delivering meals on his bike, barely keeping his head above water. In just two days, he must attend an interview for his asylum application, the outcome of which will decide if he receives the valuable carte de séjour, enabling him to reside and work lawfully in France. The film’s title suggests the narrative he intends to spin to secure his asylum, a tale that constantly echoes within his mind. However, it is evident that Souleymane is not yet prepared for this moment.

In a critique for the Hollywood Reporter, Jordan Mintzer noted that the film resonates with the neorealistic masterpiece “Bicycle Thieves” by Vittorio De Sica, as well as “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” by Cristian Mungiu, and the humanist films of the Dardenne brothers. He described it as a profound portrayal of the hardships and unpredictable fates experienced by migrants in France and globally.

The tale of Souleymane became a financial triumph in France, grossing nearly 4 million dollars during its cinematic run and attracting approximately half a million viewers.

On August 1st, Kino Lorber will premiere the film in cinemas, followed by a release on various platforms. The agreement for “Souleymane’s Story” was finalized between Kino Lorber’s Vice President of Acquisitions, Karoliina Dwyer, and Agathe Mauruc from Pyramide International.

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2025-04-28 20:24