Abou Sangaré is the story of a young auto mechanic who became a rising star in French cinema.
Born in Sinko, Guinea, Abou Sangaré started out as an auto mechanic. Today, he is an actor in France. He gained widespread recognition for his role in The Story of Souleymane, which earned him the César Award for Most Promising Actor in 2025.
Growing up in modest conditions in Sinko, Guinea, his life took a dramatic turn during his teenage years. When his mother fell ill, he made a bold decision: to leave his country in search of a better future. From Guinea to Algeria, and then to Europe, he arrived in France in 2017, alone and undocumented, at just 16 years old.
In Amiens, he found support through local associations that helped him continue his studies. He obtained a vocational baccalaureate in vehicle maintenance, followed by a technical diploma, all while fighting for legal status. Despite three refusals and an order to leave the country, it wasn’t until January 2025—after a fourth application—that he was finally granted a residence permit.
The turning point in his life came in 2023, when he auditioned for a role almost by chance. Director Boris Lojkine saw in him the perfect embodiment of the lead character in The Story of Souleymane. The role, deeply inspired by his own life, became a revelation.
Premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, the film moved critics and earned multiple accolades.
In 2025, when Abou Sangaré took the stage at the César Awards to accept the prize for Most Promising Actor, he truly touched the hearts of the public. His acceptance speech, brimming with emotion, echoed like a cry from the soul.
"Since I crossed the Mediterranean Sea, up until April 2023, I have experienced it all: misery—everything that misery is—everything that a human being is, both the good and the bad. (…) Thanks to The Story of Souleymane, thanks to my team, thanks to our distributors, I found my place in this world. Thank you for integrating me into humanity,” he declared.
Africa News Agency