Souleymane’s Story: Boris Lojkine’s strong social drama follows Souleymane, a Guinean asylum seeker in Paris, working hard to get some crucial documents for his immigration interview. The film could be the continuation of one of the best films of 2023, as it also deals with what remains (and likely will remain for a long time) one of the greatest plights of our age. The protagonist is a hard-working, earnest, polite young man, easy to root for, despite his shortcomings. It is a beautiful turn by Abou Sangare, whose last scene is a masterclass in portraying fear and sadness. The rest of the cast is efficient in their roles. Cinematographer Tristan Galand’s camerawork is dynamic, close to the subject, and intimate in its perception of the character’s fight for a better life. Editor Xavier Sirven gives the film a great pace, never lingering too much and moving the story along.