Souleymane's Story (2024) Movie Script
1
Young man, your notice. Thank you.
Asylum seekers, this way.
Come this way, please.
Your notice and filing receipt.
Here.
Thank you.
Mr. Samir Zied, please.
Ms. Honorine Mbuta, please.
- Mr. Souleymane Sangare.
- Yes!
SOULEYMANE'S STORY
On February 19, 2019,
government agents came
to inform us
our houses would be demolished.
On February 22, 2019,
I was arrested the first time
for resisting an eviction operation.
On March 30, 2020...
On March 30, 2019,
I joined the party,
the UFDG.
On October 23, 2020,
I was imprisoned
as a political opponent.
I was arrested for resisting eviction.
On March 30, 2019...
- Hello. Are you Ms. Antonella?
- Yes, that's me.
- Do you have a code?
- Yes, I do.
Order for Tristan, please.
- Thank you.
- Souleymane!
Khalil!
I call your name and you ignore me?
- I'm making deliveries.
- Want a cookie?
- Have another.
- No, that's fine.
- Where you going?
- Delivering.
Take me along?
- Where to?
- To deliver.
- You're nuts!
- I'm coming.
With you riding behind me?
I'll sit here.
And you pedal fast.
- Find a bike?
- Not yet.
I'm looking, but it's not easy.
How can you deliver without a bike?
I'm looking.
Then will you help me?
First find a bike.
When you have one, I'll help.
- Ok, see you tonight.
- Tonight.
- Have a good day.
- You, too.
Thank you.
VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY
TAKE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF
Hello, Emmanuel!
Gotta do a selfie. I'm coming over.
- A selfie, please.
- Souleymane!
This damn system.
VERIFYING
IDENTITY VERIFIED
Please, Emmanuel,
can you pay me today? Please.
- How much have you made?
- I'm up to 253.
253?
That's lousy.
You gotta work, bro'.
- I'm working, don't tell me...
- Haul ass.
The account's for you to work.
You gotta work.
We didn't come to Europe to play.
- I'm not playing.
- 200, 250, that's nothing.
I'm not playing.
Can you pay me today?
Our deal is Tuesdays.
But I need money today.
If you could...
Depends when the money comes.
When I get it, then...
You'll get money tomorrow by noon, ok?
- Please.
- I'll pay you tomorrow at 1 pm.
- At 1 pm at Gare du Nord.
- Deal.
- Hello.
- Are you Mr. Dimitri?
No, come.
Dimitri!
Souley of Paris, how are ya?
Souley, what do you want?
Some atik?
Sounds good.
Help your bro'.
Coz Guinea, you guys suck.
What team did Guinea beat in 10 years?
In 1977, we won.
In the past 10 years!
The problem is,
I don't have time to talk.
Tell them, then you can go.
Guinea beat Ivory Coast tons of times.
- We're elephants!
- What elephant?
On the Guinean jersey,
they should put a squirrel.
If I had time, I'd stay and talk.
You talk a lot about Guinea.
You Ivorians, you just talk.
We call you blabbermouths!
You good?
Thanks be to God.
When you request asylum at the OPFRA,
they'll ask why you left.
You explain to the Whites what happened.
That way, they'll give you papers.
So tell me:
Why'd you leave Guinea?
I know it's hard for you women
to talk about things like forced marriage.
To go into detail.
But you'll have to say
what really happened.
Yes.
Go ahead.
The first night,
he came into the room.
He asked me to sleep with him.
I said I didn't want to,
that I didn't know him.
I didn't love him.
He said I was his wife.
That he had to have his due.
I put up a struggle.
He slapped me, but I kept up.
But he was stronger.
He slapped me. I fell down.
He took out his belt.
He hit me. He kicked me.
I couldn't fight him off.
So I gave in.
He did his business
and left me on the floor in tears.
What did you do in the morning?
When the sun came up...
I just wanted to die.
I remembered what happened in the night,
that a stranger
had done something like that to me.
I went to ask my father
if I deserved such treatment.
He didn't even let me talk.
He said,
"You're a married woman. Go home."
He chased me away with a stick.
Souleymane, go ahead.
I lived in Bambto
in the Kip 2 district.
It's an area where Fula
and members of the opposition live.
On February 22, 2019,
the gendarmes attacked us.
Souleymane, it was February 19!
Your interview is in two days,
and you still don't know your story.
I'm learning it.
Souleymane, the story:
What is written
and what you'll say aren't the same.
It has to sound
like your life experience.
Go into detail, because details count.
Understand? Explain how they came.
The gendarmes surrounded you.
They took out their clubs and tear gas.
They started shooting.
People fell in the gutters.
The gendarmes kicked them.
They hit them with their clubs.
Tell it like real facts.
- Barry, hang on.
- Understand?
- Give details. Understand?
- Such details are hard.
How so?
I can't make up all those details.
Can I change stories?
You can't change.
They'll say you lied. Understand?
I know nothing about politics!
Give me your phone.
I'll do a voice memo.
- Barry...
- Oumar, wait!
Almost done.
As soon as I'm done with him, you're next.
Patience, please.
Why'd you join the UFDG?
First, it's the vision
for society that convinced you.
Its vision for society
seemed good for Guinea.
Second, in the field of education,
we want mandatory
schooling for children over 5.
We want a budget increase from 13 to 20%.
Ok?
Next!
Barry, wait!
Souleymane,
I can't give you the whole day.
This stuff about politics...
That's enough now.
Oumar...
Souleymane, now stop it!
Wait. I didn't even get my documents.
You didn't give them to me.
You'll get them later.
Next!
- Barry, goodbye.
- Thanks a lot.
See you tomorrow morning.
See you tomorrow, God willing.
See you tomorrow.
Thank you.
Souleymane, my money?
I'll pay you tomorrow.
I had to buy a bike.
Your bike trouble isn't my problem.
- I want my money.
- I'll pay you.
Mrs. Fatoumata?
- I'm off, ok?
- Thanks.
- See you tomorrow.
- God willing.
Money tomorrow
or I won't give you the documents.
- So you can't go to OFPRA.
- I know.
No money, no documents.
I swear I'll pay tomorrow.
- Sure?
- Sure.
Oumar!
Hey, Oumar.
- What is it?
- Please,
can you help me understand the program?
- What program?
- The UFDG program.
Don't bug me. I can't help.
Go see Barry. He's the one who can help.
Don't talk to me about Barry.
All he wants is money.
I asked for the documents.
He didn't give me them.
I can't do anything.
Let me go, my bus is coming.
When's your interview?
When are you up?
Souleymane, you wear me out!
Did Barry promise you
a party card, a UFDG attestation?
Let me go. I'll miss the bus.
Oumar, please.
I can't tell you.
Wait!
Do you know how the UFDG party works?
I can't discuss it.
Talk with Barry. He'll tell you.
My interview's day after tomorrow.
Good luck! Revise at home.
I have to revise, too.
- Can I call you tomorrow?
- No, don't bother.
My interview's day after tomorrow.
Please, Oumar, I'm begging you.
Help me.
Yes, Souleymane.
Hi, Lansana. Is my mother at home?
I don't know. I was out.
What's the matter?
Go to her house, see if she's home.
Please.
I'll check, but remember
to buy me phone units.
I won't forget.
What's going on
with my mother? Is she unwell?
Is she taking her meds?
Tell me the truth.
Don't worry, man.
Everything's fine. There's no problem.
What d'you mean, "don't worry"?
I get messages saying my mother's ill,
and you say, "There's no problem."
Why's it not a problem?
Put her on the phone, please.
I'll go see if she's there.
Don't worry,
I'm taking care of your mother.
I'll call you if necessary.
Lansana, excuse me.
Above all,
remember to buy me phone units.
That's not the point now.
Go on, take her the phone
so I can hear her voice.
I'm still here.
I'll put your mother on.
Yes, please do.
It's Souleymane.
Are you ok, Ma?
I was thinking of you.
Are you well?
I'm a little alright.
Are you ok?
I'm tired today.
I'm glad you called.
I call all the time,
but no one will hand you the phone.
No one wants to get near me.
People talk to me.
I don't know who they are.
There's a lot of yelling in my head.
But are you taking your meds?
Souleymane,
why don't you come?
...in the field of education,
we want mandatory schooling
for all children over 5.
First, it's the vision
for society you read
that motivated you...
I found that vision
interesting for the country.
Hi. For Marco, please.
For instance,
regarding the field of education,
we want to make school
mandatory for children over the age...
Good evening.
- Marco?
- Yeah.
The code, please.
We want to increase the budget...
...the education budget from 13 to 20%.
Good evening.
Order for Lonie, please.
- One minute?
- Sounds good.
Here, it's ready for you.
- Thanks a lot.
- Thanks.
- Want a piece of candy?
- What?
- A piece of candy?
- Yes, please.
- Strawberry?
- Yes, strawberry.
- Thanks.
- Bye.
On February 19, 2019,
government agents came to inform you
your houses would be demolished.
On February 22, 2019, you were...
Mister, are you ok?
I'm ok.
You didn't see the light?
- Good evening.
- 'Evening.
Your order.
- What's with the bag?
- Nothing, ma'am.
I had an accident, but it's nothing.
The bag's all messed up.
Nothing spilled. You can see inside.
I see the bag is gross
and crumpled.
Look inside. It's dry, just...
I'm not taking it.
Please, ma'am, don't do this.
Mister, I don't want the bag!
- Courier assistance.
- Good evening, ma'am.
I'm calling
because a customer refused the order.
Give me your first and last name, please.
Emmanuel Bahana.
Did she call you?
What did she say? She was annoyed.
I don't know.
I can't disclose customer messages.
Any repercussions
are notified via the app.
- What repercussions, ma'am?
- I can't tell you.
- Please.
- Yes, just a second.
- Order for Roger, please.
- It's not ready.
Wait outside, I'll call you.
- How long?
- I don't know.
The order will be up soon.
Maybe in 2 minutes.
- Hey guys!
- My man!
How goes it, handsome?
- The boss of Abidjan, fit as ever!
- You know it.
- What's up, Souley?
- It's been 7 minutes.
What is this place?
Where is he?
- 'Evening, boss!
- The old asshole.
Boss.
- Where's the order?
- Not ready.
- How many minutes?
- 3 or 4. It's coming.
We can't waste our time here.
- What'd he say?
- It's not ready.
It's always like that.
Don't stand there.
We'll cancel the order.
No, don't cancel.
Yes! We'll stop coming here.
Cancel it, he's taking too long.
If you cancel, they'll ask for a selfie.
- Is the account in your name?
- Say what? No, it's...
- Do you rent it?
- Yes.
If you cancel once or twice,
they'll want the photo.
You'll waste even more time.
So I have to waste 20 minutes?
Cancel too often,
they close the account.
It's best to wait.
It's my fifth time here. Same
thing each time. He's useless.
Souley of Paris!
Still here? I told you to cancel.
See? I took another order.
I'm going in. This is impossible.
Please, mister.
Order for Roger, please.
Mister.
It's not ready, I said.
Wait outside. No point coming in.
- How long?
- I told your colleagues.
Mister, please!
You're wasting our time.
It's peak time.
- Look at me at least.
- What now?
- How much longer?
- Dunno. We'll call you. As usual.
- That's enough. Out.
- You're pushing me.
Instead of pushing, do my order.
It's not ready, I told you.
What don't you understand?
Don't yell. We're not your slaves.
- I don't work for you.
- Go home!
Go home if you don't like it.
You're pissing me off.
So are you!
I want my order.
Go back home. Get lost!
You get lost!
- Skip it. That's enough.
- This gonna take all night?
Nonsense, we can't spend the night here.
Don't get worked up.
It'll get you in trouble.
Order for Roger?
Ok, thanks.
What nonsense!
A whole night for one order.
- Don't come back!
- If an order comes, so do we.
- Don't come back. Get lost.
- Sicko!
Go on, take the whole road!
Seriously.
7th floor?
Mister, please.
Could you come down a few floors?
The door is open.
Please, just a few floors?
- End of call.
- Mister?
- Good evening. Are you Mr. Roger?
- Yes, I am.
- Can I have the code?
- It's in my phone.
- On the table.
- Careful.
Are you ok?
- I'm feeling a little dizzy.
- Easy does it.
Have a seat.
I feel better. I'm ok.
The code, please?
The code? My son ordered.
I should have his number in the app.
Where are you from?
Me? Guinea-Conakry.
Guinea-Conakry.
Do you have family there?
Just a minute.
Good evening.
I'm the delivery rider.
I'm here with your father.
Could I have the code, please?
- Is that my son?
- Yes.
2215.
- Great. Thank you.
- Thank you. Have a good one.
Thank you.
Guinea-Conakry's far away.
Do you ever go back?
No, since I arrived,
I haven't gone back.
What a shame.
- It's far away.
- Yes.
- Do you need a hand?
- No, I should be able to manage.
- I can cut the pizza.
- No, this is fine.
- All good?
- I'm all set.
- What's your name?
- Souleymane.
- Souleymane, it was nice meeting you.
- Likewise.
Thanks.
It's on me!
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Souley of Paris!
Hurry up! Time to go.
- After one last order.
- We're off. The bus's leaving soon.
I have one last delivery
and I'll be over.
- See you later.
- 'Later.
Over here!
Come over here!
- Excuse me?
- The other side.
Good evening.
Are you Mr. Fred?
Yep, I'm Fred.
But you're not Emmanuel.
- That's not him, is it?
- Nope.
- Not you, right?
- What's up?
- It's not him.
- No kidding.
- What's your name?
- Souleymane Sangare.
- Can I have the code?
- Got papers, Souleymane?
I have an asylum filing receipt.
You know
you can't work with that, right?
- Who's Emmanuel?
- A friend of mine.
A friend or the account owner?
A friend who rents me his account.
How much does your friend take?
- It depends.
- Oh, come on!
120.
- Per month?
- No.
- Per week.
- Highway robbery! How much do you make?
Per week, how much?
Me, it...
Same thing, it depends.
200-250.
- Relax.
- You're real edgy.
No, it's just that I'm...
I would never be impolite
with an officer, but I'm late.
You deliver only food?
- Only that.
- Check in case.
Please, I have a bus to catch.
Yep, nothing.
Sir, could I have the code?
Or I'll be late.
- And your light's broken.
- I'm a courier. I had an accident.
I need the code or I'll be late.
We could fine you.
It's dangerous at night.
Please, sir, I have a bus to catch.
- Go ahead. Let's eat. I'm hungry.
- Thank you.
Excuse me.
Jaurs Station.
Wait up!
- You registered?
- Yes.
- Name?
- Souleymane Sangare.
Sangare?
My friend, you're always late.
Sorry, I had an accident.
- Watch it next time.
- Thanks! You can go!
Hey, Souleymane!
How are you? Didn't you see me?
Souley of Paris!
- Did you go see the ladies?
- Not me.
- He went and had himself some fun.
- Sure...
Have a good night!
Number 45.
'Evening. Please come forward.
- 'Evening. Name, please.
- Souleymane Sangare.
Ok, number 10.
- You usually give me 42.
- I only have 10 tonight.
- But my things are there.
- Souleymane, please.
Keep moving, people are waiting.
Take your kit.
Have a nice evening.
'Evening, Souleymane.
Souleymane, I found a bike!
The social worker helped.
Not tonight, Khalil. I'm tired.
Help me get an account.
You promised, Souleymane!
- Hi, Mohamed.
- Hey.
- Did you say it's my bed?
- He doesn't understand.
Hey, friend.
I sleep here.
Please, Mohamed, can you tell him?
- That's how we do it.
- I sleep next to my friend.
- Look.
- His stuff, look.
It's a mix-up.
Here, no sleep good.
Mohamed talks a lot.
That's how we do it.
Thank you so much.
Not easy.
Not too tired?
Very tired.
'Evening.
- 'Evening. Number?
- 10.
Take a tray.
- Keep moving.
- Enjoy your meal!
Yes, Kadiatou. How are you?
-Souleymane, can you hear me?
-Yes.
Am I disturbing you?
Yesterday, we went to Amadou's wedding.
Whose?
Oh, Amadou!
Did he marry Bintou?
No, Fanta. You don't know her.
Ah, men these days!
So I wanted to tell you something.
I said, I want to tell you something.
-I hope it's good news.
-I was saying...
...a man came to ask for my hand.
An engineer.
His name is Adama.
Go ahead, I can hear you.
Yes, I hear you.
Yesterday a man came to ask for my hand.
His name is Adama.
He said he wanted to marry me.
I wanted to know what you think.
Wait, Kadiatou. What can I say?
This man said he wants to marry you.
You want to marry him, right?
Since you discussed it...
I wait for you
and that's your answer?
Listen, Kadiatou, wait.
- Souleymane...?
- An engineer...
I'm not going to say
what you want to hear.
Give me a minute!
Hurry up, there's a line.
What d'you do? You idiot! Listen to him!
He delivers a meal to a naked lady.
She invites him in, but he gets scared.
Souley, what would you have done?
- Nothing.
- What's the matter with you?
-Gimme your soap!
-All that to use my laundry soap.
- We're family.
- You're a user.
We can share.
Guys, wrap it up.
In 5 minutes, you're out.
Sorry. They never give us time to finish.
- Your excellence!
- At ease.
I salute you.
Why am I standing at attention
in front of a Guinean?
-Alright, good night.
-He's my boy!
- 'Night!
- You too.
You know, about my interview,
I don't know what I'm going
to say day after tomorrow.
- Barry didn't tell you anything?
- Forget Barry!
He was supposed to give me all sorts
of documents, but I didn't get a thing.
I wish you could tell me a little bit...
about what you know.
I'm over that asylum business
since the Thierno episode.
He got his papers, I didn't.
We applied at the same time.
-You had the same story?
-Yeah, exact same story.
But he got asylum
and they turned me down.
When I got the letter
with the decision,
I stayed in bed for three days.
I didn't speak. If someone
talked to me, I didn't answer.
If someone called, I didn't pick up.
I understand.
I'm sorry.
I don't know why I came to France.
They questioned me about the prison.
What prison?
The central prison?
What did they ask you?
How it was inside.
What was written on the walls.
- What did you answer?
- I had no idea.
I've never been there.
- Good luck.
- Thank you, Mamadou. See you tomorrow.
Looking at it all night won't help.
Worried about the interview?
- Is it tomorrow?
- No, day after tomorrow.
Don't be afraid.
You know what you went through.
What if they think I'm lying?
You're not a liar.
Someone who lies
eventually contradicts himself, right?
You have no reason to worry.
-It's like an exam.
-I've never taken an exam.
I was just a mechanic.
I didn't even finish school.
What matters most
is that you're clear.
Take your time.
And speak slowly.
And be sure to make
eye contact with the interviewer.
Do that and it'll go fine.
Now you need to sleep.
Turn off your phone.
Good night.
Fuck!
We're trying to sleep here!
-Paris Homeless Hotline.
-Hello, ma'am.
I'm calling about a bed for tonight,
please.
Your name and date of birth,
please?
Souleymane Sangare.
I was born on August 17, 1999.
Tonight, I'm at the Clignancourt
homeless shelter.
-Souleymane Sangare, is that correct?
-Yes.
Found you.
Which bus would you like to take, sir?
The 10 p.m. at Jaurs Station, please.
10 p.m. at Jaurs, alright.
-I'm sending you a text confirmation.
-Ok.
Hi, Barry. It's Souleymane.
I can't make it this morning.
I don't have your money yet.
I see my account holder at 1 p.m.
I'll arrive later.
I'll call you when I'm there.
CONAKRY: LIST OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
One night, in prison,
a guard came for me,
"Souleymane, Souleymane."
I didn't want to answer.
I was sure I'd be tortured.
He started by slapping me.
Then he sent me
to a small room next door.
He told me to undress.
He took military garb and handed
it to me. He told me to follow him.
We went outside to a parked motorcycle.
He got on behind me.
ACCOUNT DEACTIVATED
ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY DEACTIVATED
Emmanuel,
there's a problem with the account.
I'm waiting for you. Are you coming?
I need my money.
Hello, courier assistance.
Yes, you've closed my account.
I don't know why.
Your name, please?
Emmanuel Bahana.
Is it because someone contacted you?
Did the lady call you?
I see your account was closed.
Or the restaurant owner yesterday?
I don't know if they called you, but...
I didn't do anything wrong.
I can't disclose that information.
You'll receive an email in three days.
I can't tell you more.
Isn't there another way?
I'm left in a jam.
-I don't take complaints.
-Was the money transferred?
Yes, the money's been wired
to your bank.
Excuse me!
Excuse me, sir.
-Hello.
-Is Emmanuel here?
- Emmanuel? It's his day off.
- Really?
He has Tuesdays off.
We were supposed
to meet at Gare du Nord.
- Try calling him.
- He's not answering.
I can't help you. Sorry.
Hello, brother.
I want to work as a courier.
I just arrived in France.
Are you together?
I'm not free right now.
- Where you from?
- Guinea-Conakry.
We are Ivorian.
Do you speak Dyula?
Yes, but I can't help you.
I sympathize, but I can't help you.
We could call you later.
Excuse me, do you know a Cameroonian
named Emmanuel?
Yeah, why?
He's my co-worker.
We're supposed to meet here.
I haven't seen him today.
-Yes, Barry.
-Where are you?
I thought you wanted your documents today.
I do.
Didn't you get my message?
What message? I didn't get a message.
It was to say
that I couldn't come right away.
I had to go and get your money.
Where are you now?
I'm on the train. I'll be right there.
As soon as I get to Paris...
-As soon as I get to Paris, I'll call you.
-It's really late! At 8 p.m., I'm gone.
-You hear me?
-I hear you.
Sorry. My ear-buds went dead.
I'm on the train.
I'll let you know as soon as I arrive.
I won't wait.
At 8 p.m., I'm going home. Got it?
Sorry. I'm late
because I was getting your money.
Otherwise, I'd be there already. Please.
Understand?
GUINEA: 4 DEAD IN PRISON
-Emmanuel, why don't you answer?
-What're you doing here?
You're not answering.
Why weren't you at the station?
-Don't come here like this.
-Why weren't you there?
Wait for me here.
- Who's he?
- Babe, stay out of it.
-Sorry, ma'am, he's dishonest.
-Not in front of my wife.
Give me my money.
We were to meet at the station.
-Please give me my money.
-Wait here.
- Where you going?
- Wait!
Emmanuel!
What're you doing?
I've been waiting...
- Don't knock at my door.
- Where were you?
Don't yell.
- The neighbors'll call the police.
- I don't care.
- Where were you?
- Come talk.
No need, just give me my money.
I'm not paying you.
- Why?
- You blocked my account.
- That's not the point!
- Come talk.
You can't come here and start...
-Why didn't you come?
-Listen, bro'.
Why didn't you come?
- I owe you nothing.
- Why not?
You blocked my account.
Get my account back
and I'll give you your money.
You Africans,
always screwing people over.
The account is irrelevant.
By the will of God,
take these 40.
Take it. It's a win-win situation.
I worked.
There are 302 on the account.
In God's name, take this.
302 minus 120, that's 182.
Pay me 182.
You're whining about 182,
but you blocked my account.
Know how much it was worth?
Take 40 and don't come back.
-I'm not leaving with 40.
-That's how you thank me?
Get angry.
I want my money!
I owe you nothing!
Fuck off!
-Pay me!
-Don't push it. You want problems?
Get lost!
Fuck it!
Excuse me.
Leave your message after the beep.
Yeah, Barry.
You asked me to wait at Nation Station.
I'm here now.
Please, forgive me.
You know I want to see you today.
I mean it, please.
See you soon, God willing.
BARRY
LAST CAR
-What happened to you?
-It's nothing.
- A problem with the police?
- No.
Where's my money?
-Forgive me, but...
-Give me my money.
-Here.
-What's this?
-Barry, forgive me.
-This isn't what we agreed.
- It's not enough.
- Please.
- No money, no docs.
- Have mercy.
No way.
What did we say?
That I'd give you...
-We said you'd give me my money.
-And I will.
-Please.
-I'm not giving you the documents.
You think I'm crazy?
You're all the same.
All of you!
By Allah, if I don't have them...
You know my interview is tomorrow.
If I don't have those docs...
Have mercy, help me.
Please.
Ok, here are your documents.
The certificate, the attestation,
and your membership card.
It's all here.
In the envelope.
Here.
Thank you.
-I hope you memorized your dates.
-The dates? Yes.
Actually, Barry,
I have a lot of questions.
Do the asylum officers know Guinea?
Do they know the neighborhoods of Conakry?
They know everything!
Every street.
Where was your demonstration?
What was the route?
We left from Bambto,
heading towards Cimenterie.
Then the police nabbed me
at the T7 intersection.
Where'd they take you?
Gendarmerie 16...
in Samatran.
That's where they took me.
But Barry, as security secretary...
- what did I do?
- It's simple!
It means you handled security for events.
Head of communications
would've been difficult.
But we said security.
You ensured
security at events. That's all.
I've been told
they can ask about the meetings.
I get off at the next stop. The next one.
They're at chairman Barry Abdoulaye's.
Don't you know
the local committee officials?
Give me your phone.
The federation chairman
is Mr. Alassane Diallo.
In Bambto, the local committee
chairman is Mr. Abdoulaye Barry.
The Secretary for Information
and Communications is Mr. Bakary Sow.
The treasurer is Mrs. Mariam Camara...
I get off here. Revise.
I was told they might ask
how the prison was.
It was dark. No electricity.
They might ask what was on the walls.
A picture of the president, Alpha Cond.
It's his picture on the wall.
- And that's all?
- Yes.
Never say a Guinean
helped you. Understand?
Say your social worker helped you write.
Sorry, I have to catch my bus.
See you soon.
Souleymane, my money!
Yes, Ghislain.
Please, I'm almost at Gare du Nord.
Can you hold up the bus?
Make something up.
Paris, Gare du Nord Station...
- Please, mister.
- My friend!
- I'm taking the bus!
- Nope, too late.
It's no use!
Please, mister!
Please!
It's cold, please.
I can't sleep outdoors!
Please!
I'm not allowed to open!
Kadiatou, how are you?
-I'm ok. And you?
-I hope you weren't sleeping.
I wasn't asleep.
And you?
Sorry, do you mind turning your camera on?
So, how are you?
I'm good.
Have you made your decision?
-What happened to your eye?
-It's nothing.
Your eye is swollen.
What happened to you?
- It's nothing.
- Are you hurt?
Nothing serious. We can talk.
It's nothing at all.
So, tell me,
have you made your decision?
I thought you weren't interested.
What do you mean,
not interested? You know I am.
-Yesterday, there were too many people.
-What you said yesterday...
As if we didn't know each other.
-Come on, Kadiatou...
-You've forgotten me!
No. Forgotten?
Since you went to France,
you've forgotten about us.
Don't say that.
How could I forget about us?
I don't know.
Don't you want to get married?
You know what I want.
I want to leave...
by sea...
or across the desert to come join you.
- Here?
- I want to come join you in Europe.
- Wait.
- I'm not afraid.
Kadiatou, listen to me.
You have no idea
what traveling by sea is like.
You don't know what awaits you.
If you knew what women
go through, you wouldn't say that.
I'm sweet on you. I mean it.
If I could have,
I would have married you.
But...
Allah didn't unite our fates.
So what I wanted to say
is that you can marry this engineer.
Kadiatou...
Excuse me, Kadiatou,
but your engineer,
do you find him attractive?
Is he handsome?
I find you attractive.
Send me a picture, so I can see him.
When I mention him, you shake your head.
I don't even know if he's tall or short.
He's handsome and he's not short.
Send a picture.
Hold on.
Are you ashamed?
-No.
-Ok, send it.
-See it?
-Oh, good lord!
You're comparing that to Souleymane?
What about it?
Such a little man... Good lord!
He's not little. He's taller than you.
The pain of leaving you burns.
Think of all the time we spent together.
The only thing I wish...
is your happiness.
Your happiness, Kadiatou.
So, you and your engineer,
I wish you a happy life.
Allah is my witness.
I'll never forget you.
So this is how it ends?
Move your hand.
May Allah help you obtain your papers.
Amen.
- May Allah grant you luck.
- Amen.
- May Allah lead you to happiness.
- Amen.
May Allah hear your prayer.
Good morning.
I'm calling about a bed for tonight.
Souleymane Sangare.
August 17, 1999.
- Hello, friend. Tea or coffee?
- Tea, please.
- Milk?
- Just a little.
Here. It'll warm you up.
Thanks a lot.
Hi.
Thank you.
What happened to you?
A little accident, nothing serious.
- Have you seen a doctor?
- Not yet.
- Want an address?
- No, I'll be alright. Thanks.
- You sure?
- I'm sure.
- Souleymane?
- Khalil!
- You have the shirt?
- Like you asked.
What is this place?
You come often?
Who did that to you?
- Does it hurt?
- Please. Hang on.
- Where'd you sleep?
- Outside.
I waited for hours last night.
Let me help you.
- The interview's today?
- Yes.
- What time?
- 9 o'clock.
It's inside out.
What's wrong with me?
Hang on.
Don't stress out. Keep...
optimistic and calm.
Are you a pastor now?
I'm giving you advice.
Listen to me and you'll be fine.
Your phone, please.
- I could've given you a good haircut.
- Don't touch.
Stop acting like a kid.
Don't stress out.
Be yourself.
- Please, be quiet!
- Grab your bag and let's go.
- Is it your interview or mine?
- Yours, but...
- Here.
- I'm coming with you.
Ms. Honorine Mbuta, please.
Mr. Samir Zied, please.
- Go ahead.
- Thank you.
We'll start the interview.
See the microphone here.
It will all be recorded.
If your application is rejected,
you are entitled to dispute
the decision and hear the recording.
Understand?
Reply out loud for the recording, please.
Yes, I understand.
You asked to do the interview
in French without an interpreter?
Yes, I speak French. We're in France.
Before we begin, have you
any documents to add to your file?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
There's your UFDG membership card,
the attestation,
and medical certificate.
So...
What countries did you go through
before reaching France?
From Guinea, we went to Mali.
We went through the desert.
Sorry to interrupt. Just the countries.
So after Mali, where'd you go?
After Mali, we went to Algeria.
How long did you stay?
A few weeks. Then we went to Libya.
And after Libya?
After Libya, we went to Italy.
Let's go over your story from the start.
You said you joined
the UFDG in early 2019, right?
Yes, March 30, 2019.
- In Bambto, right?
- Yes.
And who was committee chairman?
Abdoulaye Barry.
Can you explain
what made you join the party?
Actually,
it was the UFDG's vision
for society that convinced me.
I found that vision
interesting for the country.
For instance, regarding education,
we want to make school
mandatory for children over age 5,
and also increase the education
budget from 13% to 20%.
- Secondly...
- Just a minute. Sorry.
- So the program convinced you?
- Exactly.
How did you hear about the party?
What motivated you to contact them?
So...
actually it was after
the eviction, when they...
I mean...
After they demolished our houses,
I joined the Evictees Association.
- For those who'd lost their house?
- Exactly.
That's where I met UFDG activists.
Ok.
You said you were security secretary
for your local committee, correct?
- That's correct.
- When were you elected?
May 12, 2019.
So you joined the party on March 30,
and on May 12
you were elected security secretary.
Yes.
A fast promotion, wouldn't you say?
I don't know. No.
How did you convince them?
Well...
It was...
In fact, they...
They saw my motivations.
Your motivations.
But then you...
You gave a speech?
What did you say to convince them?
How did it go?
Take your time, no problem.
It's because of soccer.
I don't see the connection.
You have to explain.
So, ma'am, you see,
I was captain of the soccer team.
I was used to organizing matches,
and the neighborhood youths respected me.
When you're a soccer organizer,
- everyone respects you.
- Ok.
But...
more precisely, I mean, how did things go?
I wasn't there, so you have
to describe the scene for me
so I can understand.
Were there other candidates?
Ma'am,
to tell the truth,
there were a lot of us.
I can't say
how many candidates there were.
I don't remember all those people.
Ok. So where'd it take place?
- That election, where'd it take place?
- In Bambto.
Where exactly in Bambto?
At the traffic circle.
The traffic circle, outdoors?
Yes, outdoors.
It's not easy
to hold an election outdoors.
It was outdoors, but in a tent
at the traffic circle.
"They'd put up a tent."
When were you arrested, Mr. Sangare?
On February 23...
Sorry, on October 23, 2020.
"October 2020."
What happened?
At the gendarmerie,
I was taken to a room.
There, there were two police inspectors.
Two inspectors, correct?
There were papers on the table.
They asked me to sign them,
saying it was my confession.
I said no.
They called in the gendarmes.
The gendarmes started to rough me up.
- And they...
- Just a minute.
- Go on.
- They started beating me with clubs,
then belts, and then they kicked me.
And I said no.
After...
they kept hitting me,
and when I passed out,
they took my hands
and put my fingerprints on the paper.
After that they brought in weapons...
There were machetes,
hunting rifles...
All kinds of weapons. They placed
them around me and took pictures.
Said they'd arrested me with them.
Were there other people with you?
No, I didn't know anyone in...
There was no one you knew?
Ma'am, I was in the room,
I was shaken up, so...
And then you were transferred
to the central prison, correct?
- Yes.
- And then where'd they take you?
Once at the central prison,
they took me to a cell
where there were 32 people.
32 people?
Yes.
Ok.
That's very precise.
Did you know any of them?
No.
Of those people, no.
No other members of the UFDG there?
Honestly, I saw no other UFDG member.
I don't quite understand.
You spent about 45 days in prison,
so you spoke to people.
Yes, I spoke to the others.
To try to find a way
out of there, out of prison.
And still no UFDG member
among the people there?
Honestly, ma'am...
No one at the gendarmerie
or at the central prison.
No one you might have
run into at the demonstration?
No.
I mean...
Who wrote this story for you?
I did,
but I got help from a social
worker at the organization.
Mr. Sangare, I don't think you
realize I keep hearing that story.
The demolished houses,
the protests, prison,
even about the photo
with the machetes.
I heard it twice last week.
Ma'am, I think that's normal.
There were a lot of us.
So everyone tells the same story
with the same words?
Don't worry, ok?
What matters is what you tell me now.
That's what's important.
What's in your file
can still be changed.
I'm here to listen to you.
So what happened to you?
What's your own story?
- That is my story, ma'am.
- Mr. Sangare, it's not too late.
I'm here to listen to you.
Why did you leave Guinea?
Well...
It's...
In fact, it's...
When I was little, when I was 7...
we lived...
We were in my father's
house, me and my ma.
But my father sent her away...
because she was ill.
Because she...
He sent her away because...
she wasn't like the others.
And...
What's wrong with your mother?
Everyone said my mother
was a devil woman.
I had trouble hearing all that.
I couldn't bear
what they said about my mother.
She's mentally ill,
but it's not her fault.
Because...
All the time they said
I was the son of a madwoman.
I left because...
the little I earned
in Guinea wasn't enough.
I wanted to do something for her,
so that she felt ok.
Not even ok,
but at least so she'd have
a place where she felt better.
But in Guinea I couldn't do it.
I had nothing,
not even a place to sleep.
That's why I left with my friends...
for Algeria.
I thought I'd work there,
do something for my mother...
As it turned out, it didn't work.
I arrived, I was sick,
and my friends
were ready to go to Libya.
So I kept going with them.
We went to Libya.
In Libya, you can't even imagine...
how it was in Libya.
There, we got no respect.
They treated us...
When we arrived,
the only thing we saw there
was that we were treated like animals.
Like nothing.
They took us straight to prison.
All they wanted from us there was money.
"You're going to call your parents.
They'll send you this much."
I had nothing.
My mother has nothing.
She relies on me.
There in prison...
They tortured us. They...
All they'd say was...
"Money, call your parents."
The others were able
to call their parents.
Me...
my family...
In prison...
I kept thinking
I couldn't die in prison because...
my mother...
I couldn't die there
because she needs me.
She needs me.
She...
She gave me life,
I have to give her something in return.
She told me not to lie,
but I kept lying.
Do you want to add anything?
No, that's all.
I think we've finished.
The decision will be sent by mail.
If the answer is positive,
you'll enjoy France's protection,
you'll have the right
to work and live here.
If the answer is negative,
you'll have one month to file an appeal.
Do you understand?
Ok.
Mariette Kelley & Cynthia Schoch
TransPerfect Media France
Young man, your notice. Thank you.
Asylum seekers, this way.
Come this way, please.
Your notice and filing receipt.
Here.
Thank you.
Mr. Samir Zied, please.
Ms. Honorine Mbuta, please.
- Mr. Souleymane Sangare.
- Yes!
SOULEYMANE'S STORY
On February 19, 2019,
government agents came
to inform us
our houses would be demolished.
On February 22, 2019,
I was arrested the first time
for resisting an eviction operation.
On March 30, 2020...
On March 30, 2019,
I joined the party,
the UFDG.
On October 23, 2020,
I was imprisoned
as a political opponent.
I was arrested for resisting eviction.
On March 30, 2019...
- Hello. Are you Ms. Antonella?
- Yes, that's me.
- Do you have a code?
- Yes, I do.
Order for Tristan, please.
- Thank you.
- Souleymane!
Khalil!
I call your name and you ignore me?
- I'm making deliveries.
- Want a cookie?
- Have another.
- No, that's fine.
- Where you going?
- Delivering.
Take me along?
- Where to?
- To deliver.
- You're nuts!
- I'm coming.
With you riding behind me?
I'll sit here.
And you pedal fast.
- Find a bike?
- Not yet.
I'm looking, but it's not easy.
How can you deliver without a bike?
I'm looking.
Then will you help me?
First find a bike.
When you have one, I'll help.
- Ok, see you tonight.
- Tonight.
- Have a good day.
- You, too.
Thank you.
VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY
TAKE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF
Hello, Emmanuel!
Gotta do a selfie. I'm coming over.
- A selfie, please.
- Souleymane!
This damn system.
VERIFYING
IDENTITY VERIFIED
Please, Emmanuel,
can you pay me today? Please.
- How much have you made?
- I'm up to 253.
253?
That's lousy.
You gotta work, bro'.
- I'm working, don't tell me...
- Haul ass.
The account's for you to work.
You gotta work.
We didn't come to Europe to play.
- I'm not playing.
- 200, 250, that's nothing.
I'm not playing.
Can you pay me today?
Our deal is Tuesdays.
But I need money today.
If you could...
Depends when the money comes.
When I get it, then...
You'll get money tomorrow by noon, ok?
- Please.
- I'll pay you tomorrow at 1 pm.
- At 1 pm at Gare du Nord.
- Deal.
- Hello.
- Are you Mr. Dimitri?
No, come.
Dimitri!
Souley of Paris, how are ya?
Souley, what do you want?
Some atik?
Sounds good.
Help your bro'.
Coz Guinea, you guys suck.
What team did Guinea beat in 10 years?
In 1977, we won.
In the past 10 years!
The problem is,
I don't have time to talk.
Tell them, then you can go.
Guinea beat Ivory Coast tons of times.
- We're elephants!
- What elephant?
On the Guinean jersey,
they should put a squirrel.
If I had time, I'd stay and talk.
You talk a lot about Guinea.
You Ivorians, you just talk.
We call you blabbermouths!
You good?
Thanks be to God.
When you request asylum at the OPFRA,
they'll ask why you left.
You explain to the Whites what happened.
That way, they'll give you papers.
So tell me:
Why'd you leave Guinea?
I know it's hard for you women
to talk about things like forced marriage.
To go into detail.
But you'll have to say
what really happened.
Yes.
Go ahead.
The first night,
he came into the room.
He asked me to sleep with him.
I said I didn't want to,
that I didn't know him.
I didn't love him.
He said I was his wife.
That he had to have his due.
I put up a struggle.
He slapped me, but I kept up.
But he was stronger.
He slapped me. I fell down.
He took out his belt.
He hit me. He kicked me.
I couldn't fight him off.
So I gave in.
He did his business
and left me on the floor in tears.
What did you do in the morning?
When the sun came up...
I just wanted to die.
I remembered what happened in the night,
that a stranger
had done something like that to me.
I went to ask my father
if I deserved such treatment.
He didn't even let me talk.
He said,
"You're a married woman. Go home."
He chased me away with a stick.
Souleymane, go ahead.
I lived in Bambto
in the Kip 2 district.
It's an area where Fula
and members of the opposition live.
On February 22, 2019,
the gendarmes attacked us.
Souleymane, it was February 19!
Your interview is in two days,
and you still don't know your story.
I'm learning it.
Souleymane, the story:
What is written
and what you'll say aren't the same.
It has to sound
like your life experience.
Go into detail, because details count.
Understand? Explain how they came.
The gendarmes surrounded you.
They took out their clubs and tear gas.
They started shooting.
People fell in the gutters.
The gendarmes kicked them.
They hit them with their clubs.
Tell it like real facts.
- Barry, hang on.
- Understand?
- Give details. Understand?
- Such details are hard.
How so?
I can't make up all those details.
Can I change stories?
You can't change.
They'll say you lied. Understand?
I know nothing about politics!
Give me your phone.
I'll do a voice memo.
- Barry...
- Oumar, wait!
Almost done.
As soon as I'm done with him, you're next.
Patience, please.
Why'd you join the UFDG?
First, it's the vision
for society that convinced you.
Its vision for society
seemed good for Guinea.
Second, in the field of education,
we want mandatory
schooling for children over 5.
We want a budget increase from 13 to 20%.
Ok?
Next!
Barry, wait!
Souleymane,
I can't give you the whole day.
This stuff about politics...
That's enough now.
Oumar...
Souleymane, now stop it!
Wait. I didn't even get my documents.
You didn't give them to me.
You'll get them later.
Next!
- Barry, goodbye.
- Thanks a lot.
See you tomorrow morning.
See you tomorrow, God willing.
See you tomorrow.
Thank you.
Souleymane, my money?
I'll pay you tomorrow.
I had to buy a bike.
Your bike trouble isn't my problem.
- I want my money.
- I'll pay you.
Mrs. Fatoumata?
- I'm off, ok?
- Thanks.
- See you tomorrow.
- God willing.
Money tomorrow
or I won't give you the documents.
- So you can't go to OFPRA.
- I know.
No money, no documents.
I swear I'll pay tomorrow.
- Sure?
- Sure.
Oumar!
Hey, Oumar.
- What is it?
- Please,
can you help me understand the program?
- What program?
- The UFDG program.
Don't bug me. I can't help.
Go see Barry. He's the one who can help.
Don't talk to me about Barry.
All he wants is money.
I asked for the documents.
He didn't give me them.
I can't do anything.
Let me go, my bus is coming.
When's your interview?
When are you up?
Souleymane, you wear me out!
Did Barry promise you
a party card, a UFDG attestation?
Let me go. I'll miss the bus.
Oumar, please.
I can't tell you.
Wait!
Do you know how the UFDG party works?
I can't discuss it.
Talk with Barry. He'll tell you.
My interview's day after tomorrow.
Good luck! Revise at home.
I have to revise, too.
- Can I call you tomorrow?
- No, don't bother.
My interview's day after tomorrow.
Please, Oumar, I'm begging you.
Help me.
Yes, Souleymane.
Hi, Lansana. Is my mother at home?
I don't know. I was out.
What's the matter?
Go to her house, see if she's home.
Please.
I'll check, but remember
to buy me phone units.
I won't forget.
What's going on
with my mother? Is she unwell?
Is she taking her meds?
Tell me the truth.
Don't worry, man.
Everything's fine. There's no problem.
What d'you mean, "don't worry"?
I get messages saying my mother's ill,
and you say, "There's no problem."
Why's it not a problem?
Put her on the phone, please.
I'll go see if she's there.
Don't worry,
I'm taking care of your mother.
I'll call you if necessary.
Lansana, excuse me.
Above all,
remember to buy me phone units.
That's not the point now.
Go on, take her the phone
so I can hear her voice.
I'm still here.
I'll put your mother on.
Yes, please do.
It's Souleymane.
Are you ok, Ma?
I was thinking of you.
Are you well?
I'm a little alright.
Are you ok?
I'm tired today.
I'm glad you called.
I call all the time,
but no one will hand you the phone.
No one wants to get near me.
People talk to me.
I don't know who they are.
There's a lot of yelling in my head.
But are you taking your meds?
Souleymane,
why don't you come?
...in the field of education,
we want mandatory schooling
for all children over 5.
First, it's the vision
for society you read
that motivated you...
I found that vision
interesting for the country.
Hi. For Marco, please.
For instance,
regarding the field of education,
we want to make school
mandatory for children over the age...
Good evening.
- Marco?
- Yeah.
The code, please.
We want to increase the budget...
...the education budget from 13 to 20%.
Good evening.
Order for Lonie, please.
- One minute?
- Sounds good.
Here, it's ready for you.
- Thanks a lot.
- Thanks.
- Want a piece of candy?
- What?
- A piece of candy?
- Yes, please.
- Strawberry?
- Yes, strawberry.
- Thanks.
- Bye.
On February 19, 2019,
government agents came to inform you
your houses would be demolished.
On February 22, 2019, you were...
Mister, are you ok?
I'm ok.
You didn't see the light?
- Good evening.
- 'Evening.
Your order.
- What's with the bag?
- Nothing, ma'am.
I had an accident, but it's nothing.
The bag's all messed up.
Nothing spilled. You can see inside.
I see the bag is gross
and crumpled.
Look inside. It's dry, just...
I'm not taking it.
Please, ma'am, don't do this.
Mister, I don't want the bag!
- Courier assistance.
- Good evening, ma'am.
I'm calling
because a customer refused the order.
Give me your first and last name, please.
Emmanuel Bahana.
Did she call you?
What did she say? She was annoyed.
I don't know.
I can't disclose customer messages.
Any repercussions
are notified via the app.
- What repercussions, ma'am?
- I can't tell you.
- Please.
- Yes, just a second.
- Order for Roger, please.
- It's not ready.
Wait outside, I'll call you.
- How long?
- I don't know.
The order will be up soon.
Maybe in 2 minutes.
- Hey guys!
- My man!
How goes it, handsome?
- The boss of Abidjan, fit as ever!
- You know it.
- What's up, Souley?
- It's been 7 minutes.
What is this place?
Where is he?
- 'Evening, boss!
- The old asshole.
Boss.
- Where's the order?
- Not ready.
- How many minutes?
- 3 or 4. It's coming.
We can't waste our time here.
- What'd he say?
- It's not ready.
It's always like that.
Don't stand there.
We'll cancel the order.
No, don't cancel.
Yes! We'll stop coming here.
Cancel it, he's taking too long.
If you cancel, they'll ask for a selfie.
- Is the account in your name?
- Say what? No, it's...
- Do you rent it?
- Yes.
If you cancel once or twice,
they'll want the photo.
You'll waste even more time.
So I have to waste 20 minutes?
Cancel too often,
they close the account.
It's best to wait.
It's my fifth time here. Same
thing each time. He's useless.
Souley of Paris!
Still here? I told you to cancel.
See? I took another order.
I'm going in. This is impossible.
Please, mister.
Order for Roger, please.
Mister.
It's not ready, I said.
Wait outside. No point coming in.
- How long?
- I told your colleagues.
Mister, please!
You're wasting our time.
It's peak time.
- Look at me at least.
- What now?
- How much longer?
- Dunno. We'll call you. As usual.
- That's enough. Out.
- You're pushing me.
Instead of pushing, do my order.
It's not ready, I told you.
What don't you understand?
Don't yell. We're not your slaves.
- I don't work for you.
- Go home!
Go home if you don't like it.
You're pissing me off.
So are you!
I want my order.
Go back home. Get lost!
You get lost!
- Skip it. That's enough.
- This gonna take all night?
Nonsense, we can't spend the night here.
Don't get worked up.
It'll get you in trouble.
Order for Roger?
Ok, thanks.
What nonsense!
A whole night for one order.
- Don't come back!
- If an order comes, so do we.
- Don't come back. Get lost.
- Sicko!
Go on, take the whole road!
Seriously.
7th floor?
Mister, please.
Could you come down a few floors?
The door is open.
Please, just a few floors?
- End of call.
- Mister?
- Good evening. Are you Mr. Roger?
- Yes, I am.
- Can I have the code?
- It's in my phone.
- On the table.
- Careful.
Are you ok?
- I'm feeling a little dizzy.
- Easy does it.
Have a seat.
I feel better. I'm ok.
The code, please?
The code? My son ordered.
I should have his number in the app.
Where are you from?
Me? Guinea-Conakry.
Guinea-Conakry.
Do you have family there?
Just a minute.
Good evening.
I'm the delivery rider.
I'm here with your father.
Could I have the code, please?
- Is that my son?
- Yes.
2215.
- Great. Thank you.
- Thank you. Have a good one.
Thank you.
Guinea-Conakry's far away.
Do you ever go back?
No, since I arrived,
I haven't gone back.
What a shame.
- It's far away.
- Yes.
- Do you need a hand?
- No, I should be able to manage.
- I can cut the pizza.
- No, this is fine.
- All good?
- I'm all set.
- What's your name?
- Souleymane.
- Souleymane, it was nice meeting you.
- Likewise.
Thanks.
It's on me!
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Souley of Paris!
Hurry up! Time to go.
- After one last order.
- We're off. The bus's leaving soon.
I have one last delivery
and I'll be over.
- See you later.
- 'Later.
Over here!
Come over here!
- Excuse me?
- The other side.
Good evening.
Are you Mr. Fred?
Yep, I'm Fred.
But you're not Emmanuel.
- That's not him, is it?
- Nope.
- Not you, right?
- What's up?
- It's not him.
- No kidding.
- What's your name?
- Souleymane Sangare.
- Can I have the code?
- Got papers, Souleymane?
I have an asylum filing receipt.
You know
you can't work with that, right?
- Who's Emmanuel?
- A friend of mine.
A friend or the account owner?
A friend who rents me his account.
How much does your friend take?
- It depends.
- Oh, come on!
120.
- Per month?
- No.
- Per week.
- Highway robbery! How much do you make?
Per week, how much?
Me, it...
Same thing, it depends.
200-250.
- Relax.
- You're real edgy.
No, it's just that I'm...
I would never be impolite
with an officer, but I'm late.
You deliver only food?
- Only that.
- Check in case.
Please, I have a bus to catch.
Yep, nothing.
Sir, could I have the code?
Or I'll be late.
- And your light's broken.
- I'm a courier. I had an accident.
I need the code or I'll be late.
We could fine you.
It's dangerous at night.
Please, sir, I have a bus to catch.
- Go ahead. Let's eat. I'm hungry.
- Thank you.
Excuse me.
Jaurs Station.
Wait up!
- You registered?
- Yes.
- Name?
- Souleymane Sangare.
Sangare?
My friend, you're always late.
Sorry, I had an accident.
- Watch it next time.
- Thanks! You can go!
Hey, Souleymane!
How are you? Didn't you see me?
Souley of Paris!
- Did you go see the ladies?
- Not me.
- He went and had himself some fun.
- Sure...
Have a good night!
Number 45.
'Evening. Please come forward.
- 'Evening. Name, please.
- Souleymane Sangare.
Ok, number 10.
- You usually give me 42.
- I only have 10 tonight.
- But my things are there.
- Souleymane, please.
Keep moving, people are waiting.
Take your kit.
Have a nice evening.
'Evening, Souleymane.
Souleymane, I found a bike!
The social worker helped.
Not tonight, Khalil. I'm tired.
Help me get an account.
You promised, Souleymane!
- Hi, Mohamed.
- Hey.
- Did you say it's my bed?
- He doesn't understand.
Hey, friend.
I sleep here.
Please, Mohamed, can you tell him?
- That's how we do it.
- I sleep next to my friend.
- Look.
- His stuff, look.
It's a mix-up.
Here, no sleep good.
Mohamed talks a lot.
That's how we do it.
Thank you so much.
Not easy.
Not too tired?
Very tired.
'Evening.
- 'Evening. Number?
- 10.
Take a tray.
- Keep moving.
- Enjoy your meal!
Yes, Kadiatou. How are you?
-Souleymane, can you hear me?
-Yes.
Am I disturbing you?
Yesterday, we went to Amadou's wedding.
Whose?
Oh, Amadou!
Did he marry Bintou?
No, Fanta. You don't know her.
Ah, men these days!
So I wanted to tell you something.
I said, I want to tell you something.
-I hope it's good news.
-I was saying...
...a man came to ask for my hand.
An engineer.
His name is Adama.
Go ahead, I can hear you.
Yes, I hear you.
Yesterday a man came to ask for my hand.
His name is Adama.
He said he wanted to marry me.
I wanted to know what you think.
Wait, Kadiatou. What can I say?
This man said he wants to marry you.
You want to marry him, right?
Since you discussed it...
I wait for you
and that's your answer?
Listen, Kadiatou, wait.
- Souleymane...?
- An engineer...
I'm not going to say
what you want to hear.
Give me a minute!
Hurry up, there's a line.
What d'you do? You idiot! Listen to him!
He delivers a meal to a naked lady.
She invites him in, but he gets scared.
Souley, what would you have done?
- Nothing.
- What's the matter with you?
-Gimme your soap!
-All that to use my laundry soap.
- We're family.
- You're a user.
We can share.
Guys, wrap it up.
In 5 minutes, you're out.
Sorry. They never give us time to finish.
- Your excellence!
- At ease.
I salute you.
Why am I standing at attention
in front of a Guinean?
-Alright, good night.
-He's my boy!
- 'Night!
- You too.
You know, about my interview,
I don't know what I'm going
to say day after tomorrow.
- Barry didn't tell you anything?
- Forget Barry!
He was supposed to give me all sorts
of documents, but I didn't get a thing.
I wish you could tell me a little bit...
about what you know.
I'm over that asylum business
since the Thierno episode.
He got his papers, I didn't.
We applied at the same time.
-You had the same story?
-Yeah, exact same story.
But he got asylum
and they turned me down.
When I got the letter
with the decision,
I stayed in bed for three days.
I didn't speak. If someone
talked to me, I didn't answer.
If someone called, I didn't pick up.
I understand.
I'm sorry.
I don't know why I came to France.
They questioned me about the prison.
What prison?
The central prison?
What did they ask you?
How it was inside.
What was written on the walls.
- What did you answer?
- I had no idea.
I've never been there.
- Good luck.
- Thank you, Mamadou. See you tomorrow.
Looking at it all night won't help.
Worried about the interview?
- Is it tomorrow?
- No, day after tomorrow.
Don't be afraid.
You know what you went through.
What if they think I'm lying?
You're not a liar.
Someone who lies
eventually contradicts himself, right?
You have no reason to worry.
-It's like an exam.
-I've never taken an exam.
I was just a mechanic.
I didn't even finish school.
What matters most
is that you're clear.
Take your time.
And speak slowly.
And be sure to make
eye contact with the interviewer.
Do that and it'll go fine.
Now you need to sleep.
Turn off your phone.
Good night.
Fuck!
We're trying to sleep here!
-Paris Homeless Hotline.
-Hello, ma'am.
I'm calling about a bed for tonight,
please.
Your name and date of birth,
please?
Souleymane Sangare.
I was born on August 17, 1999.
Tonight, I'm at the Clignancourt
homeless shelter.
-Souleymane Sangare, is that correct?
-Yes.
Found you.
Which bus would you like to take, sir?
The 10 p.m. at Jaurs Station, please.
10 p.m. at Jaurs, alright.
-I'm sending you a text confirmation.
-Ok.
Hi, Barry. It's Souleymane.
I can't make it this morning.
I don't have your money yet.
I see my account holder at 1 p.m.
I'll arrive later.
I'll call you when I'm there.
CONAKRY: LIST OF POLITICAL PRISONERS
One night, in prison,
a guard came for me,
"Souleymane, Souleymane."
I didn't want to answer.
I was sure I'd be tortured.
He started by slapping me.
Then he sent me
to a small room next door.
He told me to undress.
He took military garb and handed
it to me. He told me to follow him.
We went outside to a parked motorcycle.
He got on behind me.
ACCOUNT DEACTIVATED
ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY DEACTIVATED
Emmanuel,
there's a problem with the account.
I'm waiting for you. Are you coming?
I need my money.
Hello, courier assistance.
Yes, you've closed my account.
I don't know why.
Your name, please?
Emmanuel Bahana.
Is it because someone contacted you?
Did the lady call you?
I see your account was closed.
Or the restaurant owner yesterday?
I don't know if they called you, but...
I didn't do anything wrong.
I can't disclose that information.
You'll receive an email in three days.
I can't tell you more.
Isn't there another way?
I'm left in a jam.
-I don't take complaints.
-Was the money transferred?
Yes, the money's been wired
to your bank.
Excuse me!
Excuse me, sir.
-Hello.
-Is Emmanuel here?
- Emmanuel? It's his day off.
- Really?
He has Tuesdays off.
We were supposed
to meet at Gare du Nord.
- Try calling him.
- He's not answering.
I can't help you. Sorry.
Hello, brother.
I want to work as a courier.
I just arrived in France.
Are you together?
I'm not free right now.
- Where you from?
- Guinea-Conakry.
We are Ivorian.
Do you speak Dyula?
Yes, but I can't help you.
I sympathize, but I can't help you.
We could call you later.
Excuse me, do you know a Cameroonian
named Emmanuel?
Yeah, why?
He's my co-worker.
We're supposed to meet here.
I haven't seen him today.
-Yes, Barry.
-Where are you?
I thought you wanted your documents today.
I do.
Didn't you get my message?
What message? I didn't get a message.
It was to say
that I couldn't come right away.
I had to go and get your money.
Where are you now?
I'm on the train. I'll be right there.
As soon as I get to Paris...
-As soon as I get to Paris, I'll call you.
-It's really late! At 8 p.m., I'm gone.
-You hear me?
-I hear you.
Sorry. My ear-buds went dead.
I'm on the train.
I'll let you know as soon as I arrive.
I won't wait.
At 8 p.m., I'm going home. Got it?
Sorry. I'm late
because I was getting your money.
Otherwise, I'd be there already. Please.
Understand?
GUINEA: 4 DEAD IN PRISON
-Emmanuel, why don't you answer?
-What're you doing here?
You're not answering.
Why weren't you at the station?
-Don't come here like this.
-Why weren't you there?
Wait for me here.
- Who's he?
- Babe, stay out of it.
-Sorry, ma'am, he's dishonest.
-Not in front of my wife.
Give me my money.
We were to meet at the station.
-Please give me my money.
-Wait here.
- Where you going?
- Wait!
Emmanuel!
What're you doing?
I've been waiting...
- Don't knock at my door.
- Where were you?
Don't yell.
- The neighbors'll call the police.
- I don't care.
- Where were you?
- Come talk.
No need, just give me my money.
I'm not paying you.
- Why?
- You blocked my account.
- That's not the point!
- Come talk.
You can't come here and start...
-Why didn't you come?
-Listen, bro'.
Why didn't you come?
- I owe you nothing.
- Why not?
You blocked my account.
Get my account back
and I'll give you your money.
You Africans,
always screwing people over.
The account is irrelevant.
By the will of God,
take these 40.
Take it. It's a win-win situation.
I worked.
There are 302 on the account.
In God's name, take this.
302 minus 120, that's 182.
Pay me 182.
You're whining about 182,
but you blocked my account.
Know how much it was worth?
Take 40 and don't come back.
-I'm not leaving with 40.
-That's how you thank me?
Get angry.
I want my money!
I owe you nothing!
Fuck off!
-Pay me!
-Don't push it. You want problems?
Get lost!
Fuck it!
Excuse me.
Leave your message after the beep.
Yeah, Barry.
You asked me to wait at Nation Station.
I'm here now.
Please, forgive me.
You know I want to see you today.
I mean it, please.
See you soon, God willing.
BARRY
LAST CAR
-What happened to you?
-It's nothing.
- A problem with the police?
- No.
Where's my money?
-Forgive me, but...
-Give me my money.
-Here.
-What's this?
-Barry, forgive me.
-This isn't what we agreed.
- It's not enough.
- Please.
- No money, no docs.
- Have mercy.
No way.
What did we say?
That I'd give you...
-We said you'd give me my money.
-And I will.
-Please.
-I'm not giving you the documents.
You think I'm crazy?
You're all the same.
All of you!
By Allah, if I don't have them...
You know my interview is tomorrow.
If I don't have those docs...
Have mercy, help me.
Please.
Ok, here are your documents.
The certificate, the attestation,
and your membership card.
It's all here.
In the envelope.
Here.
Thank you.
-I hope you memorized your dates.
-The dates? Yes.
Actually, Barry,
I have a lot of questions.
Do the asylum officers know Guinea?
Do they know the neighborhoods of Conakry?
They know everything!
Every street.
Where was your demonstration?
What was the route?
We left from Bambto,
heading towards Cimenterie.
Then the police nabbed me
at the T7 intersection.
Where'd they take you?
Gendarmerie 16...
in Samatran.
That's where they took me.
But Barry, as security secretary...
- what did I do?
- It's simple!
It means you handled security for events.
Head of communications
would've been difficult.
But we said security.
You ensured
security at events. That's all.
I've been told
they can ask about the meetings.
I get off at the next stop. The next one.
They're at chairman Barry Abdoulaye's.
Don't you know
the local committee officials?
Give me your phone.
The federation chairman
is Mr. Alassane Diallo.
In Bambto, the local committee
chairman is Mr. Abdoulaye Barry.
The Secretary for Information
and Communications is Mr. Bakary Sow.
The treasurer is Mrs. Mariam Camara...
I get off here. Revise.
I was told they might ask
how the prison was.
It was dark. No electricity.
They might ask what was on the walls.
A picture of the president, Alpha Cond.
It's his picture on the wall.
- And that's all?
- Yes.
Never say a Guinean
helped you. Understand?
Say your social worker helped you write.
Sorry, I have to catch my bus.
See you soon.
Souleymane, my money!
Yes, Ghislain.
Please, I'm almost at Gare du Nord.
Can you hold up the bus?
Make something up.
Paris, Gare du Nord Station...
- Please, mister.
- My friend!
- I'm taking the bus!
- Nope, too late.
It's no use!
Please, mister!
Please!
It's cold, please.
I can't sleep outdoors!
Please!
I'm not allowed to open!
Kadiatou, how are you?
-I'm ok. And you?
-I hope you weren't sleeping.
I wasn't asleep.
And you?
Sorry, do you mind turning your camera on?
So, how are you?
I'm good.
Have you made your decision?
-What happened to your eye?
-It's nothing.
Your eye is swollen.
What happened to you?
- It's nothing.
- Are you hurt?
Nothing serious. We can talk.
It's nothing at all.
So, tell me,
have you made your decision?
I thought you weren't interested.
What do you mean,
not interested? You know I am.
-Yesterday, there were too many people.
-What you said yesterday...
As if we didn't know each other.
-Come on, Kadiatou...
-You've forgotten me!
No. Forgotten?
Since you went to France,
you've forgotten about us.
Don't say that.
How could I forget about us?
I don't know.
Don't you want to get married?
You know what I want.
I want to leave...
by sea...
or across the desert to come join you.
- Here?
- I want to come join you in Europe.
- Wait.
- I'm not afraid.
Kadiatou, listen to me.
You have no idea
what traveling by sea is like.
You don't know what awaits you.
If you knew what women
go through, you wouldn't say that.
I'm sweet on you. I mean it.
If I could have,
I would have married you.
But...
Allah didn't unite our fates.
So what I wanted to say
is that you can marry this engineer.
Kadiatou...
Excuse me, Kadiatou,
but your engineer,
do you find him attractive?
Is he handsome?
I find you attractive.
Send me a picture, so I can see him.
When I mention him, you shake your head.
I don't even know if he's tall or short.
He's handsome and he's not short.
Send a picture.
Hold on.
Are you ashamed?
-No.
-Ok, send it.
-See it?
-Oh, good lord!
You're comparing that to Souleymane?
What about it?
Such a little man... Good lord!
He's not little. He's taller than you.
The pain of leaving you burns.
Think of all the time we spent together.
The only thing I wish...
is your happiness.
Your happiness, Kadiatou.
So, you and your engineer,
I wish you a happy life.
Allah is my witness.
I'll never forget you.
So this is how it ends?
Move your hand.
May Allah help you obtain your papers.
Amen.
- May Allah grant you luck.
- Amen.
- May Allah lead you to happiness.
- Amen.
May Allah hear your prayer.
Good morning.
I'm calling about a bed for tonight.
Souleymane Sangare.
August 17, 1999.
- Hello, friend. Tea or coffee?
- Tea, please.
- Milk?
- Just a little.
Here. It'll warm you up.
Thanks a lot.
Hi.
Thank you.
What happened to you?
A little accident, nothing serious.
- Have you seen a doctor?
- Not yet.
- Want an address?
- No, I'll be alright. Thanks.
- You sure?
- I'm sure.
- Souleymane?
- Khalil!
- You have the shirt?
- Like you asked.
What is this place?
You come often?
Who did that to you?
- Does it hurt?
- Please. Hang on.
- Where'd you sleep?
- Outside.
I waited for hours last night.
Let me help you.
- The interview's today?
- Yes.
- What time?
- 9 o'clock.
It's inside out.
What's wrong with me?
Hang on.
Don't stress out. Keep...
optimistic and calm.
Are you a pastor now?
I'm giving you advice.
Listen to me and you'll be fine.
Your phone, please.
- I could've given you a good haircut.
- Don't touch.
Stop acting like a kid.
Don't stress out.
Be yourself.
- Please, be quiet!
- Grab your bag and let's go.
- Is it your interview or mine?
- Yours, but...
- Here.
- I'm coming with you.
Ms. Honorine Mbuta, please.
Mr. Samir Zied, please.
- Go ahead.
- Thank you.
We'll start the interview.
See the microphone here.
It will all be recorded.
If your application is rejected,
you are entitled to dispute
the decision and hear the recording.
Understand?
Reply out loud for the recording, please.
Yes, I understand.
You asked to do the interview
in French without an interpreter?
Yes, I speak French. We're in France.
Before we begin, have you
any documents to add to your file?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
There's your UFDG membership card,
the attestation,
and medical certificate.
So...
What countries did you go through
before reaching France?
From Guinea, we went to Mali.
We went through the desert.
Sorry to interrupt. Just the countries.
So after Mali, where'd you go?
After Mali, we went to Algeria.
How long did you stay?
A few weeks. Then we went to Libya.
And after Libya?
After Libya, we went to Italy.
Let's go over your story from the start.
You said you joined
the UFDG in early 2019, right?
Yes, March 30, 2019.
- In Bambto, right?
- Yes.
And who was committee chairman?
Abdoulaye Barry.
Can you explain
what made you join the party?
Actually,
it was the UFDG's vision
for society that convinced me.
I found that vision
interesting for the country.
For instance, regarding education,
we want to make school
mandatory for children over age 5,
and also increase the education
budget from 13% to 20%.
- Secondly...
- Just a minute. Sorry.
- So the program convinced you?
- Exactly.
How did you hear about the party?
What motivated you to contact them?
So...
actually it was after
the eviction, when they...
I mean...
After they demolished our houses,
I joined the Evictees Association.
- For those who'd lost their house?
- Exactly.
That's where I met UFDG activists.
Ok.
You said you were security secretary
for your local committee, correct?
- That's correct.
- When were you elected?
May 12, 2019.
So you joined the party on March 30,
and on May 12
you were elected security secretary.
Yes.
A fast promotion, wouldn't you say?
I don't know. No.
How did you convince them?
Well...
It was...
In fact, they...
They saw my motivations.
Your motivations.
But then you...
You gave a speech?
What did you say to convince them?
How did it go?
Take your time, no problem.
It's because of soccer.
I don't see the connection.
You have to explain.
So, ma'am, you see,
I was captain of the soccer team.
I was used to organizing matches,
and the neighborhood youths respected me.
When you're a soccer organizer,
- everyone respects you.
- Ok.
But...
more precisely, I mean, how did things go?
I wasn't there, so you have
to describe the scene for me
so I can understand.
Were there other candidates?
Ma'am,
to tell the truth,
there were a lot of us.
I can't say
how many candidates there were.
I don't remember all those people.
Ok. So where'd it take place?
- That election, where'd it take place?
- In Bambto.
Where exactly in Bambto?
At the traffic circle.
The traffic circle, outdoors?
Yes, outdoors.
It's not easy
to hold an election outdoors.
It was outdoors, but in a tent
at the traffic circle.
"They'd put up a tent."
When were you arrested, Mr. Sangare?
On February 23...
Sorry, on October 23, 2020.
"October 2020."
What happened?
At the gendarmerie,
I was taken to a room.
There, there were two police inspectors.
Two inspectors, correct?
There were papers on the table.
They asked me to sign them,
saying it was my confession.
I said no.
They called in the gendarmes.
The gendarmes started to rough me up.
- And they...
- Just a minute.
- Go on.
- They started beating me with clubs,
then belts, and then they kicked me.
And I said no.
After...
they kept hitting me,
and when I passed out,
they took my hands
and put my fingerprints on the paper.
After that they brought in weapons...
There were machetes,
hunting rifles...
All kinds of weapons. They placed
them around me and took pictures.
Said they'd arrested me with them.
Were there other people with you?
No, I didn't know anyone in...
There was no one you knew?
Ma'am, I was in the room,
I was shaken up, so...
And then you were transferred
to the central prison, correct?
- Yes.
- And then where'd they take you?
Once at the central prison,
they took me to a cell
where there were 32 people.
32 people?
Yes.
Ok.
That's very precise.
Did you know any of them?
No.
Of those people, no.
No other members of the UFDG there?
Honestly, I saw no other UFDG member.
I don't quite understand.
You spent about 45 days in prison,
so you spoke to people.
Yes, I spoke to the others.
To try to find a way
out of there, out of prison.
And still no UFDG member
among the people there?
Honestly, ma'am...
No one at the gendarmerie
or at the central prison.
No one you might have
run into at the demonstration?
No.
I mean...
Who wrote this story for you?
I did,
but I got help from a social
worker at the organization.
Mr. Sangare, I don't think you
realize I keep hearing that story.
The demolished houses,
the protests, prison,
even about the photo
with the machetes.
I heard it twice last week.
Ma'am, I think that's normal.
There were a lot of us.
So everyone tells the same story
with the same words?
Don't worry, ok?
What matters is what you tell me now.
That's what's important.
What's in your file
can still be changed.
I'm here to listen to you.
So what happened to you?
What's your own story?
- That is my story, ma'am.
- Mr. Sangare, it's not too late.
I'm here to listen to you.
Why did you leave Guinea?
Well...
It's...
In fact, it's...
When I was little, when I was 7...
we lived...
We were in my father's
house, me and my ma.
But my father sent her away...
because she was ill.
Because she...
He sent her away because...
she wasn't like the others.
And...
What's wrong with your mother?
Everyone said my mother
was a devil woman.
I had trouble hearing all that.
I couldn't bear
what they said about my mother.
She's mentally ill,
but it's not her fault.
Because...
All the time they said
I was the son of a madwoman.
I left because...
the little I earned
in Guinea wasn't enough.
I wanted to do something for her,
so that she felt ok.
Not even ok,
but at least so she'd have
a place where she felt better.
But in Guinea I couldn't do it.
I had nothing,
not even a place to sleep.
That's why I left with my friends...
for Algeria.
I thought I'd work there,
do something for my mother...
As it turned out, it didn't work.
I arrived, I was sick,
and my friends
were ready to go to Libya.
So I kept going with them.
We went to Libya.
In Libya, you can't even imagine...
how it was in Libya.
There, we got no respect.
They treated us...
When we arrived,
the only thing we saw there
was that we were treated like animals.
Like nothing.
They took us straight to prison.
All they wanted from us there was money.
"You're going to call your parents.
They'll send you this much."
I had nothing.
My mother has nothing.
She relies on me.
There in prison...
They tortured us. They...
All they'd say was...
"Money, call your parents."
The others were able
to call their parents.
Me...
my family...
In prison...
I kept thinking
I couldn't die in prison because...
my mother...
I couldn't die there
because she needs me.
She needs me.
She...
She gave me life,
I have to give her something in return.
She told me not to lie,
but I kept lying.
Do you want to add anything?
No, that's all.
I think we've finished.
The decision will be sent by mail.
If the answer is positive,
you'll enjoy France's protection,
you'll have the right
to work and live here.
If the answer is negative,
you'll have one month to file an appeal.
Do you understand?
Ok.
Mariette Kelley & Cynthia Schoch
TransPerfect Media France