In this profound character study, Parisian journalist Rama (Kayije Kagame) travels to Saint Omer in the north of France to observe the trial of a Senagalese woman, Laurence Coly (Guslagie Malanda), accused of infanticide. Coly does not deny the crime; she claims her actions were motivated by sorcery and out of her control. As she bears witness in the oppressive and claustrophobic courtroom, Rama’s family history rises to the surface, as do fears about her own impending motherhood - wordlessly connecting the women to one another. This revelatory and gripping narrative debut from acclaimed documentarian Alice Diop (WE) is a provocatively layered examination of racism and generational trauma, and signals Diop as a multifaceted talent.
Winner of the Silver Hugo for Best Screenplay in the International Competition at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival.