February 23, 2010
La Petite Vendeuse du Soleil (Senegal – 1999)
Directed by the late Djibril Diop Mambety, who saturated each frame of this film with vibrant sunlight, La Petite Vendeuse de Soleil is set in Dakar’s bustling central market. Sili Laam, the petite vendeuse, is a 12 year old paraplegic who begs for alms with her grandmother. Unwilling to accept society’s view of her place in the world, she decides to become the market’s first female newspaper vendor since, "Girls can do anything boys can do." This young heroine gives voice to Mambety’s belief that film can do more than represent the world; it can actually participate in remaking it.
Director: Djibril Diop Mambety, 45 minutes