The 77th Cannes Film Festival commenced on Tuesday, May 14th, in France. Among the esteemed jury members is the prolific Franco-Senegalese actor, Omar Sy, who shared insights into his role as a producer, particularly within his entity, Carroussel Studios, where he aims to produce African narratives.
The Cannes jury for the official competition in 2024 boasts prestigious members, including American actress and screenwriter Greta Gerwig as president, alongside Japanese director Coré-Ada, Lebanese director Nadine Labaki, Turkish screenwriter Ebru Ceylan, and Franco-Senegalese actor Omar Sy, hailing from Trappes.
During their customary press conference preceding the unveiling of the selection of 22 films vying for the Palme d’Or, Omar Sy discussed his journey as a producer. Together with two partners, he recently established Carroussel Studios, with a focus on producing stories set in Africa, particularly Senegal.
A “Natural” Urge
“For me, producing films in Senegal is not an obligation, but rather a desire I’ve nurtured for years. I collaborate with young directors there. African cinema has always fascinated me; it’s inherently part of my culture, something I grew up with,” elaborates the beloved French actor.
Expressing satisfaction at the inclusion of African films in Cannes, Sy emphasizes that his desire to produce African narratives is both “organic and natural.” “The stories from the African continent intrigue me; they align with the narratives I want to convey. It so happens that they unfold there. This interest is evident in my filmography and reflects my journey,” he concludes.