Saudi Red Sea Film Fund-backed “Banel & Adama” Triumphs at Biarritz Fest

Sat Jul 08 2023
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DUBAI: The film “Banel & Adama,” backed by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fund, secured two jury prizes at the inaugural Nouvelles Vagues International Film Festival held in Biarritz, France.

This achievement adds to the recent success of Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy, who made history earlier this year by competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival with her feature directorial debut.

“Banel & Adama” is set in a remote village in northern Senegal, the birthplace of Sy’s parents. The story revolves around a young couple whose love is jeopardized when the village council expresses disapproval of their union, leading to chaos engulfing the entire community.

Story of ‘Banel & Adama’ Film

Describing the film to CNN, Sy explained, “It’s a tragedy. At first, ‘Banel & Adama’ feels like a classic love story, but little by little, we realize that this love story focuses more on Banel than Adama, and it turns into the story of a woman trying to fulfill herself.”

The film’s success at the Nouvelles Vagues International Film Festival highlights the growing recognition of diverse voices and storytelling from the Middle East and Africa. The Red Sea Film Fund’s support for “Banel & Adama” demonstrates its commitment to nurturing regional talent and promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

As Sy continues to make waves in the international film scene, her achievements serve as inspiration for emerging filmmakers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The recognition garnered by “Banel & Adama” not only celebrates the creative vision of Sy but also reflects the potential for meaningful collaborations between different film industries worldwide.

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