Astel

A poignant story of a young girl in rural Senegal, this visually poetic film explores innocence, danger, and societal transition, offering a quiet yet powerful critique of patriarchal expectations.

– Winner of TIFF’s Share Her Journey award and multiple festival honours.

Astel (13) accompanies her father every day in the bush. Together, they look after their herd of cows. But one day, in the middle of the desert, the meeting between the young girl and a shepherd disrupts the peaceful daily life between Astel and her father.
GenresShort Film, Drama
DirectorRamata-Toulaye Sy
CastHawa Mamadou Dia, Chérif Amadou Diallo, Alassane Hamet Ly, Khady Diallo, Amadou Diallo
LanguageFulah
SubtitlesEnglish
Runtime24 mins
Available1 Dec 2025
TerritoriesWorldwide

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