Sunu Gaal (Our cayuco) [Sunu Gaal (Nuestro cayuco)]

Director: Josep Tomàs Parìs

Director’s Statement

I wanted to make a film about migration from its very origin—when the decision to leave home is first taken. In the West, migrants are often only seen once they reach the borders, stripped of context and history. Sunu Gaal follows young Senegalese like Marietou, who dreams of migrating, and reflects a new generation aware of racism, neocolonialism and feminism. I immersed myself in their lives over two years, filming 100+ hours and building trust through a collaborative process inspired by Jean Rouch. The classroom and the boat become symbolic spaces of debate and meaning. I aimed to avoid clichés, focusing instead on raw, intimate realism. Through their words, questions and energy, the protagonists shape the film—a powerful, human portrait that invites us to listen and look with empathy.