A powerful new film follows a food delivery rider in Paris, capturing the relentless pressures faced by economic migrants living on society’s fringes. At the center of the story is Souleymane, a man from Guinea whose life is a constant race against time and bureaucracy.
To survive, he sublets a delivery account from another migrant, navigating the city’s chaotic streets on a bicycle to meet punishing delivery targets. The money he earns is urgently needed to pay for coaching on how to pass an upcoming asylum interview—a process that requires him to memorize a fabricated story of political persecution.
The film’s direction places viewers directly alongside Souleymane, with tense cycling sequences that highlight the physical dangers of his work. Visually, the city shifts between hazy impressions and sharp, sobering clarity, mirroring the protagonist’s unstable existence. But the true focus remains on Souleymane’s emotional unraveling as daily humiliations and systemic indifference wear him down.
In one pivotal scene, the weight of his struggle erupts in a raw, trembling outburst—a moment brought to life through a remarkable performance by Abou Sangaré. His portrayal is both authentic and deeply moving, giving voice to those often rendered invisible by the systems they depend on.
Though the film shares thematic ground with earlier works about immigrant struggles, its tone is distinctly unsentimental, reflecting the harsh realities of the digital gig economy. Scenes often cut abruptly, echoing the relentless pace of Souleymane’s life.
Ultimately, the film is a stark examination of exploitation and survival, shedding light on the fragile lives of those navigating legal and economic limbo. “Souleymane’s Story” arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on October 17.
