Girlhood: the trajectory of Céline Sciamma’s protagonist feels like a foregone conclusion: advised not to continue her education, neglected (at best) by her mother and older brother, her sense of self smothered by a sexist community, the only option seems to be the friendship with a trio of rebels. The main beauty of the film is how caring and non-judgemental it is. The downhill road is heartbreaking but filled with joy from moment to moment. Karidja Touré plays the protagonist with a face that mixes sadness, hope, anger, resignation. Her best buddies are also nicely portrayed by Assa Sylla (the ferocious leader of the bunch), Mariétou Touré (the silliest of them all), and Lindsay Karamoh (the large center of the group, in a sense). The film is nicely shot by cinematographer Crystel Fournier, who gives a palpable texture to these girls’ world. Music is an important element (both Para One’s original score and the songs the group sings and dances to), as it is the main motor for their joy.