The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun

The last film of the Senegalese director Diop-Mambéty, fable-like in its simplicity, tells of a partly crippled young beggar, Sili, who after being knocked down by some unruly kids selling papers on the streets of Dakar, decides to take them on at their own game. Inevitably she meets with cruel competition and prejudice, but the kindness of a few strangers, coupled with her own courage, honesty and determination, eases her burden. The film's measured rhythms, vivid camerawork and confidence of tone make for enthralling viewing.