“Atlantics” is a mesmerizing supernatural drama directed by Mati Diop, which won the Grand Prix at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. The film immerses us in the suburbs of Dakar, Senegal, where a story of love and mystery unfolds against a backdrop of social crisis.
Ada, 17, is promised to a wealthy man she doesn’t love. Her heart belongs to Souleiman, a young construction worker who, like many others, hasn’t been paid for months for his work on a futuristic tower being built by the ocean. Desperate about his economic situation, Souleiman decides to cross the Atlantic with his friends to try his luck in Europe.
Shortly after their departure, strange phenomena begin to occur in the city. A mysterious fire breaks out during Ada’s wedding, and several young women become possessed by spirits. These supernatural events seem connected to the tragic fate of the young men who left by sea.
Blending social realism and fantastical elements with remarkable skill, “Atlantics” offers a poignant reflection on emigration, economic exploitation, and social inequalities, while exploring universal themes such as love, loyalty, and justice. The film is also a visual ode to Dakar, capturing the beauty and melancholy of this coastal city through sublime cinematography and a hypnotic soundtrack.
Practical information:
📆 Thursday, June 26, 2025
⏰ 8:00 PM
👉🏼 Théâtre de Verdure
💰 Free admission
🔤 French/Wolof with French and English subtitles