“Souleymane’s Story,” Boris Lojkine’s timely drama which took two prizes at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and four Cesar Awards earlier this year, has been acquired by Kino Lorber for U.S. and English-speaking Canada distribution rights.
Bolstered by the debut performance of first-time actor Abou Sangare, “Souleymane’s Story” is a ticking-clock drama charting the journey of a Guinean immigrant working as a bicycle deliveryman in Paris in the days leading up to his asylum interview. Kino Lorber pointed the film draws inspiration from Cristian Mungiu’s “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” and socially minded films by the Dardenne brothers.
Since world premiering at Cannes where it won the Jury Prize at Un Certain Regard and best actor for Abou Sangare, “Souleymane’s Story” became a major arthouse hit in France, selling approximately 500,000 admissions in French cinemas. The film also turned out to be one of the highlights of France’s awards season. On top of the four Cesar Awards, the film also won a Lumiere Award (France’s equivalent to the Golden Globes), as well as two European Film Awards.
Kino Lorber will release the film theatrically on August 1, followed by a digital, educational, and home video release.
“We are extremely proud to bring Souleymane’s Story to North American audiences,” said Kino Lorber VP of Acquisitions Karoliina Dwyer who negotiated the deal with Agathe Mauruc of Pyramide International.
“Directed by the exceptionally talented Boris Lojkine, this film takes viewers on a thrilling journey through Paris as seen through the eyes of Souleymane, an asylum seeker with just two days to prepare for an immigration interview,” said Dwyer, who added that the film “resonates deeply in the current U.S. climate, and after experiencing Souleymane’s journey, audiences may never look at a delivery person the same way again.”
Lojkine, who wrote the film with Delphine Agut, said his “intention was to capture Paris the way American independent cinema captures New York, so having the film shown there means a lot.” He also thanked Sean Baker and Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire “for their kind support.”
“Souleymane’s Story” is a Unité production, with the support of Canal+, Cine+.
