20TH edition NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 2, 2023
20th edition
November 24 to December 2, 2023
Rosine Mbakam grew up in Yaoundé in a neighbourhood that nourished her imagination as a filmmaker. After working for three years at STV in Douala as a director and producer, she began studies at the Belgian film school INSAS. Her graduation film, You Will Be My Ally, won great praise. To maintain her independence, she founded the production company Tândor Productions and directed four feature-length documentaries that were selected for significant film festivals around the world. The New Yorker defined Mbakam as “an original filmmaker of exceptional sensitivity; one of the greatest documentary filmmakers working today.” Mambar Pierrette, her first feature film, was selected for the Directors’ Fortnight at the Festival de Cannes in 2023.
The city of Douala is in trepidation anticipating the start of the school year. A long line of customers comes to Mambar Pierrette, the neighbourhood dressmaker, to have their clothes ready for upcoming social events and ceremonies. More than just a seamstress, Pierrette becomes the confidant of her customers, of a generation. But, when the rain starts pouring down and threatens to flood her workshop — just one of several successive misfortunes — Pierrette will have to find a way to stay afloat.
Director Rosine Mbakam
Producer Geoffroy Cernaix
Screenwriter Rosine Mbakam
Cinematographer Fiona Braillon
Editor Geoffroy Cernaix
Sound Loïc Villiot, Roger Mboupda, Aline Gavroy
Colour Colour
Production Company Tândor Productions, Tândor Films
International Sales Company The Party Film Sales