Banel & Adama
Qumra Screenings - Qumra 2024
Ramata-Toulaye Sy / Senegal, France, Mali / 2023 / 87 min / Colour / DCP / In Pulaar / Arabic, English subtitles
Themes: Drama
Rated: 
Mature subject matter. May not be suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 15 are not admitted into cinemas
Description
A touching narrative that examines the complexities of love against the backdrop of cultural and societal expectations in a remote village in northern Senegal. This Palme d'Or-nominated romantic drama film portrays the deep bond between starcrossed lovers Banel and Adama as they navigate the challenges posed by their community and traditions. The narrative is not just a confrontation between tradition and emerging feminist consciousness but also delves into the conflict between individual desires and collective responsibilities. Through Banel's defiance against gendered expectations and Adama's reluctance to assume his hereditary role, the film presents a poignant exploration of the tensions between personal freedom and cultural heritage.
Director
Ramata-Toulaye Sy
French-Senegalese Ramata-Toulaye Sy, born and raised in the Paris region, embarked on her cinematic journey at La Fémis, enrolling in the Screenwriting department in 2011 and graduating in 2015. Throughout her career, she has contributed as a screenwriter to notable films such as ‘Sibel’ (2018) by Çağla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, and ‘Our Lady of the Nile’ (2019) by Atiq Rahimi. In 2020, Ramata-Toulaye directed her first short film, ‘Astel’, which was selected for more than 80 festivals and pre-selected for the 2023 César Awards. ‘Banel & Adama’ marks her debut feature film and was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Credits
- Screenwriter
- Ramata-Toulaye Sy
- Producer
- Eric Névé, Margaux Juvénal, Maud Leclair Névé
- Cinematographer
- Amine Berrada
- Editor
- Vincent Tricon
- Music
- Bachar Mar-Khalifé
- Cast
- Khady Mane, Mamadou Diallo, Binta Racine Sy, Moussa Sow, Ndiabel Diallo