The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun with Atlantiques and Le Franc

The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun with Atlantiques and Le Franc

Introduction by guest programmer Mo Abudu, CEO EbonyLife Group

The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun  
This Senegalese film tells the story of a young girl with a physical disability named Sili, who sells newspapers on the streets of Dakar, Senegal. Sili’s determination and courage in the face of adversity make her a symbol of resilience and hope. The film was director Djibril Diop Mambéty’s final feature and is known for its powerful portrayal of social issues.  

DIRECTED/WRITTEN BY: Djibril Diop Mambéty. WITH: Lissa Baléra, Taïrou M’Baye, Oumou Samb, Moussa Baldé. 1999. 45 min. Senegal/France/Switzerland/Germany. Color. Wolof, French. 4K DCP. 

 
Atlantiques   
Mati Diop’s debut short Atlantiques acts as a precursor to her acclaimed feature, Atlantics (2019), addressing issues of migration and the hardships faced by young individuals in Senegal. A group of young men with aspirations for better lives convenes on a beach with the intention of embarking on a transoceanic journey to Europe by boat. Each of them harbors an apprehensive longing for a life beyond the borders of their homeland, one characterized by greater opportunities and prosperity.  
 

DIRECTED BY: Mati Diop. WITH: Ouli Seck, Serigne Seck, Alpha Diop, Cheikh M’Baye. 2009. 15 min. France/Senegal. Color. Wolof. DCP.  
 

Le Franc 
A quick-witted yet destitute musician purchases a lottery ticket after his landlady confiscates his musical instruments as payment for overdue rent. A peculiar encounter with a stranger provides him with what are believed to be winning numbers. To symbolize his potential future wealth, the musician attaches the ticket to his door. When the lottery ticket does turn out to be a winner he must undertake an arduous journey, carrying his door for miles in order to lay claim to his newfound riches.  

DIRECTED/WRITTEN BY: Djibril Diop Mambéty. WITH: Madieye Massamba Dieye, Aminata Fall, Demba Bâ. 1994. 46 min. Senegal/Switzerland/France. Color. Wolof. 4K DCP.

Academy Museum film programming generously funded by the Richard Roth Foundation. 


Co-presented with the NAACP

Theater accessibility accommodations available upon request. Learn more about our accessibility initiatives.

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