Mathieu Vadepied’s feature film with Omar Sy, devoted to Senegalese skirmishers, forgotten heroes of the First World War, will open the “Un certain Regard” section of the Cannes Film Festival, Gaumont and the festival announced on Tuesday.
The film will be screened there in world premiere on May 18 in front of the jury, the festival announced.
Second feature film by director Mathieu Vadepied, “Tirailleurs” tells the story of a father, Bakary Diallo, enlisted in 1917 in the French army. Camped by the interpreter of “Intouchables”, this father leaves to join his 17-year-old son (Alassane Diong) recruited by force. Together, they will have to face the war on the front line.
Tirailleurs by Mathieu Vadepied at the opening of#In some perspective!
The director’s second film, with @OmarSyAlassane Diong and Jonas Bloquet, sheds light on the history of Senegalese skirmishers, forgotten heroes of the First World War. #Cannes2022
https://t.co/pFmBnJlxwQ pic.twitter.com/n8bpicJICS— Cannes Film Festival (@Festival_Cannes) April 26, 2022
Filmed between France and Senegal, in particular in Fulani territory, “Tirailleurs” returns to one of the dramas of colonization while “France was looking for its soldiers in West Africa”, notes the festival on its site.
Produced by Bruno Nahon and Omar Sy, the actor, for his part, reacted enthusiastically. “Proud and honored to finally share this film, this story, within this festival, which I warmly thank,” shared the artist on his networks.