Atlantics

About Atlantics

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Atlantics is a 2019 drama TV show that tells the story of Ada, a young woman in Senegal who falls in love with Souleiman, but is forced to marry another man. When Souleiman and a group of workers at the same construction site as Ada's new husband sail away in search of better opportunities, they are presumed dead after their boat capsizes. However, soon after, mysterious events start happening and Ada begins to suspect that Souleiman's spirit is possessing the bodies of the living.

The show explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, painting a haunting and poetic portrait of the lives of young people in contemporary Senegal.

Making / Production

Atlantics was directed by Mati Diop, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Olivier Demangel. Diop became the first black woman to direct a film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where Atlantics premiered and won the Grand Prix.

The production of the show was predominantly in the Wolof language, the most widely spoken language in Senegal. The cinematography of the show beautifully captures the streets of Dakar and its surroundings, showcasing the distinctive architecture and vibrant culture of Senegal.

Actors

• Mama Sané as Ada - Mama Sané delivers a captivating performance as Ada, portraying her character's emotions and inner turmoil with depth and nuance.
• Ibrahima Traoré as Souleiman - Ibrahima Traoré brings charm and vulnerability to the role of Souleiman, displaying a sense of longing and sacrifice.
• Amadou Mbow as Issa - Amadou Mbow's portrayal of Issa, Ada's husband, showcases his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions and gestures.
• Nicolas Gomis as Dior - Nicolas Gomis plays Dior, Ada's friend, offering support and friendship through her difficult journey.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Atlantics is based on Mati Diop's 2009 short film of the same name, which won the Kodak Discovery Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
• The show is notable for its predominantly female cast, as well as its exploration of themes of female empowerment and agency.
• Atlantics is the first Senegalese film to be submitted for consideration at the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.

Awards

Atlantics won the Grand Prix at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, recognizing its exceptional storytelling and artistic merit.

Quotes

• "Love is a rebellious bird that nobody can tame." - Ada
• "A girl mustn't fall in love; she must be loved." - Ada's mother
• "I am not a ghost. I belong to the ocean." - Souleiman

Music

The music in Atlantics is composed by Fatima Al Qadiri, featuring a blend of traditional Senegalese music and contemporary sounds.

Soundtrack

• "Niani" by Aby Ngana Diop
• "Sama Yaye" by Baaba Maal
• "Dakou" by Ray) Manning & Steve Bernard
• "Sambadoru" by Xalam