24th May – 19:30 The Terry O’Toole Theatre
France 2014
Dir: Céline Sciamma
Cert: 15
113 mins
Starring: Karidja Touré, Assa Sylla
Growing up in a poor Paris suburb, 16-year-old Marieme attempts to find her place in the world – preferably a better place that seems to be typically on offer to a black girl of her background. Her schooling does not appear to hold out any great prospects and her family life is suffocating, particularly under the manipulative control of her abusive elder brother. She gravitates towards a local girl gang, skipping classes when she feels like it, hoping for something more positive. The friendship of the girls and the special bond between them seem to pave the way to a life of greater freedom and self- confidence for Marieme. However, it is no easy task for her to escape the constrictive environment and the stereotypical roles that always seem to be imposed on her. For that Marieme needs to draw deeply on her own inner strength. Brimming with energy and exuberance, “Girlhood” packs a punch!
Trailer:
