Banel & Adama – Watch the trailer for the new Senegalese romantic drama

WE ARE PARABLE announced the UK & Ireland release date for Banel & Adama, the critically acclaimed feature film from first-time director Ramata-Toulaye Sy. Banel & Adama explores the lives of a young couple living in remote Senegal, whose star-crossed love is in conflict with family tradition. The film will open in UK & Irish cinemas 15th March 2024.

Banel & Adama received its World Premiere in Competition at Cannes 2023, where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or. Ramata-Toulaye Sy is only the second black woman in history to do so, and the film was the sole debut feature to be selected.

Banel and Adama are fiercely in love. The young couple live in a remote village in northern Senegal and for them, nothing else in the world exists. However, their perfect everlasting love seems on a collision course with their family’s traditions as drought strikes their community. Award-winning filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s breathtaking debut feature follows the fated lovers in their quest to carve a life for themselves beyond the expectations of others.

Directed by Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Banel & Adama stars first-time actors Khady Mane and Mamadou Diallo. The film has been selected as Senegal’s entry for the international feature film award at the 96th Oscars.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the BFI Southbank, will host a preview screening and Q&A with Ramata-Toulaye Sy in their lead slot for Banel & Adama on 8 March 2024.

Banel & Adama is Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s first feature film. Sy’s debut short film Astel, was multi-award winning (TIFF, Clermont-Ferrand, Odense, Cinekid) and also explores the themes of youth and female emancipation.

Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s breathtaking and lyrical debut feature follows the star-crossed lovers in their quest to carve a life for themselves beyond the pressures of family and tradition. Banel & Adama is in cinemas in the UK & Ireland 15th March 2024.