Mati Diop’s “Atlantics” is Senegal’s submission to the Academy Awards’ international film award, and if it were nominated, would mark the first Oscar nod for Senegal.
The film is already much decorated. In May, it was awarded the Grand Prix, or runner-up, at the Cannes Film Festival. Jury member Elle Fanning said “Atlantics” “touched us in our hearts.”
In Cannes, Diop became the first black woman to ever direct a film selected to the festival’s prestigious competition lineup. As the film arrives in U.S. theaters, The French-Senegalese filmmaker is still wrestling with that distinction. “I don’t want to be simplified,” says Diop.
FILE - This May 25, 2019 file photo shows director Mati Diop, winner of the grand prix Palme d'Or award for the film "Atlantics" during a photo call following the awards ceremony at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France. Diop made history as the first black woman to direct a film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. (AP PhotoPetros Giannakouris, File)
“Atlantics” opens Friday is select theaters and begins streaming on Netflix Nov. 29.
This Oct. 15, 2019 photo shows Mati Diop posing for a portrait in New York to promote her film "Atlantics." Diop made history earlier this year as the first black woman to direct a film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Scott GriesInvisionAP)
FILE - This May 25, 2019 file photo shows director Mati Diop, right, holding the grand prix Palme d'Or award for the film "Atlantics" presented by actor Sylvester Stallone during the awards ceremony at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France. Diop made history as the first black woman to direct a film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Vianney Le CaerInvisionAP, File)
This Oct. 15, 2019 photo shows Mati Diop posing for a portrait in New York to promote her film "Atlantics." Diop made history earlier this year as the first black woman to direct a film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Scott GriesInvisionAP)