Abou Sangaré, a rising Guinean actor, reveals himself in this exclusive interview where he shares his experience on The Story of Souleymane. This film addresses sensitive themes such as immigration and the precariousness of undocumented migrants, resonating the voice of those often ignored by society. Through his character, he draws from his own journey, adding an authentic dimension to this poignant feature film. Discover his perspective on this significant project and his dream of becoming a heavy vehicle mechanic.
Who is Abou Sangare, the rising star of cinema?
Abou Sangare, a young Guinean actor, quickly stands out for his talent and authenticity. Although he makes his on-screen debut with The Story of Souleymane, he possesses a captivating presence that draws attention. At 23, his career takes a significant turn during his collaboration with director Boris Lojkine in this poignant film. Abou is not just an actor; his colorful life journey and personal struggles enrich his performance. Having arrived in France at 16, he perfectly illustrates the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.
During the interview, Abou shares how his life experience fuels his passion for cinema. As an undocumented migrant, he faces tough realities. This transforms his worldview and encourages him to want to bring change, both in his life and in the cinematic genre. Through his role, he hopes to express the struggles of undocumented migrants in France, creating a strong emotional connection with the audience while provoking necessary reflection.
How did the meeting with director Boris Lojkine go?
The first meeting between Abou Sangare and Boris Lojkine took place in an unexpected setting. In 2017, while Abou was volunteering at an association in Amiens, he learned that the director was looking for actors. In this casting, he impressed Boris by authentically recounting his life experience. This intense moment was defined by an exchange where Boris questioned him about a difficult situation, allowing him to explore intense emotions. The young actor recalls taking the director by the collar, thus representing the brutal reality of certain moments in his life.
During the auditions, Abou performed certain scenes alongside other actors. This teamwork demonstrates his ability to integrate into a cinematic universe, where the collective energy aims to convey true and poignant emotions. His ability to improvise and adapt the text to his own experiences is immediately recognized, laying the groundwork for a fruitful collaboration. It is this level of trust and sharing that will enable the blossoming of a beautiful cinematic project.
What challenges did Abou have to face as a beginner actor?
The filming of The Story of Souleymane presented Abou with several unique challenges. His journey led him to work not only as an actor but also to immerse himself in the reality of a delivery driver to better understand his character’s job. He recalls having taken a fifteen-day internship at a delivery company to make his performance more authentic. This immersion process became a key step in his journey. He emphasizes how much he learned not only about the job of a delivery driver but also about human relationships at work, essential for building his character.
- Learning by doing: Shadowing a real delivery driver to grasp the challenges of the job.
- Embracing the unexpected: Navigating intense emotions while remaining authentic.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with other non-professional actors to enrich the creative process.
- Cultural integration: Understanding the context in France to add depth to his performance.
How did Abou adapt his acting to the film’s demands?
Adapting to the script’s demands was vital for Abou. The script included moments of improvisation, allowing the actor to claim ownership of his role. This blend of learning the text and freedom of interpretation facilitated his understanding of the stakes. To achieve an authentic performance, he had to focus on the emotions and realities of his character. This required work on himself and an exploration of his own emotions, which is not always easy for a beginner actor.
He explains how the repetition of scenes enabled him to find the ideal rhythm. Abou speaks of a growing confidence in his acting skills while underscoring the importance of rigorous preparatory work. This not only strengthened his on-screen presence but also reinforced his determination to stay true to the truths of his own quest.
Why is it important for Abou Sangare to tell Souleymane’s story?
Narrating a reality often overlooked, Abou Sangare passionately invests himself to bring out the voice of undocumented migrants through the character of Souleymane. The main goal of this film is to challenge prejudices and remind us of the shared humanity among all. Abou feels deeply connected to this mission, wanting to showcase the daily struggles faced by those fighting for a better future in France. His choice to share his own experiences in the film reinforces this commitment.
There are several reasons why this film could resonate with the audience:
- An authentic story: Souleymane’s struggle is rooted in societal truths.
- Emotional impact: Creating an emotional bond between the character and the viewer.
- Social engagement: Taking a stance on difficult realities of immigration.
- Amplifying voices: Highlighting stories similar to that of Souleymane.
What are the future prospects for Abou Sangare after this project?
After the enriching experience on The Story of Souleymane, Abou Sangare envisions a promising future in the world of cinema. His passion for acting is undeniable, and he aspires to explore various roles and genres further. With a commitment to his dream of becoming a heavy vehicle mechanic, he navigates between these two passions. While waiting for his migration status to stabilize, a permanent contract as a mechanic awaits him, demonstrating his versatility even beyond cinema.
In the future, Abou hopes not only to continue acting in films but also to engage socially through projects that highlight the stories of people who have lived similar experiences. His commitment will allow him to navigate between art and reality, making his journey even more captivating. To keep up with his projects and news, Abou now uses social media as a means of communication, thus attracting an audience that shares his beliefs and dreams.
Abou Sangaré, as a young Guinean actor, stands out for his ability to embody his character in The Story of Souleymane. His performance highlights issues that affect many people, thus underscoring realities often ignored. With an impressive and authentic performance, he manages to engage the audience, prompting everyone to reflect on the condition of undocumented migrants and the challenges they face daily.
The meeting between Sangaré and director Boris Lojkine reflects a shared desire to give a voice to those who are often deprived of it. The film, while being an artistic work, also becomes a means of awareness and exchange. The stories shared between the director and Abou go beyond mere narration; they contain a truth that touches the human soul. This open and sincere approach allows the audience to resonate with the emotions portrayed on screen, making The Story of Souleymane all the more impactful and memorable.
Hello, my name is Christophe, I’m 45 years old and I’m an editor with a passion for cosplay. I love costumes and sharing this passion through my writings.