The Prayer
The Prayer

Movie spotlight

The Prayer

2020
Movie
92 min
English

A drama and faith-based film about two ambitious college students. Mark and Tom became good friends despite a rocky beginning at gunpoint that almost cost Mark his life.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Alice DiopGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

In this documentary, filmmaker Alice Diop observes a young Senegalese woman named Awa Sissao as she navigates the complexities of her life. Awa works as an intermediary between undocumented migrants seeking asylum and the French authorities, revealing the intricate and often bureaucratic processes involved. The film offers a poignant look at the experiences of those striving for a better life in a foreign land.

Critical Reception

The Prayer received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its sensitive and intimate portrayal of its subject. Critics lauded Alice Diop's directorial skill in capturing the personal struggles and quiet resilience of Awa and the migrants she assists. The film was praised for its profound humanism and its unflinching examination of the realities faced by asylum seekers.

What Reviewers Say

  • Acclaimed for its deeply humanistic and empathetic approach to a sensitive subject.

  • Praised for Alice Diop's masterful direction and intimate observational style.

  • Recognized for its insightful look into the lives of undocumented migrants and asylum processes.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Prayer' are not widely aggregated on Google, but critical reception highlights its powerful storytelling and emotional impact.

Awards & Accolades

Selected for screening at the Berlinale (Encounters section) in 2020, where it received positive attention.

Fun Fact

Director Alice Diop draws from her own experiences and observations of the Senegalese community in France to inform her filmmaking, lending an authentic voice to her documentaries.

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