Story perspectives

Chadian Director's Berlinale Film Challenges Norms, Faces Critique

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, the Chadian film director, premiered Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars at the 76th Berlinale.
The film follows Kellou, ostracized for her mother's death during childbirth, blending realism with magical elements and visions alongside Aya.
Critics praise the premise but fault the execution due to monotonous cinematography and clumsy editing.
Haroun aims to challenge patriarchal norms and celebrate Chadian culture through a narrative intertwining legend and reality.

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Story summary

Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, the Chadian film director, premiered Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars at the 76th Berlinale.
The film follows Kellou, ostracized for her mother's death during childbirth, blending realism with magical elements and visions alongside Aya.
Critics praise the premise but fault the execution due to monotonous cinematography and clumsy editing.
Haroun aims to challenge patriarchal norms and celebrate Chadian culture through a narrative intertwining legend and reality.