The Russian cargo ship on which African engineer Traoré works (Issaka Sawadogo, seen in 2012 in Nicolas Provost’s The Invader), strands off the coast of a wintry Canada. Traoré is held responsible for the engine failure. Wrongfully, claims the mechanic: the engine was far too old. While the Canadian authorities investigate what really happened, the multicultural crew of the ship is housed with the local population. Traoré finds himself with Fanny, a single mother who wants to use this opportunity to earn some money on the side. At first she keeps her distance, but soon the lanky African wins her over with his gentle character. But then Traoré is sacked. He’s out in the cold, 10,000 kilometres from home. Diego Star is a beautifully-filmed social realistic drama about a world in which workers are regarded as collateral damage. Humanity flickers within this harrowing injustice. But is that enough?
Film details
Countries of production
Belgium, Canada
Year
2013
Festival edition
IFFR 2013
Length
91'
Medium/Format
DCP
Language
English, French, Russian
Premiere status
World premiere
Director
Frédérick Pelletier
Producer
Sylvain Corbeil, Pascal Bascaron, Nancy Grant, Marion Hänsel
