EXCLUSIVE: Tioleja Films optioned author Gabriel Souleyka’s novel My Soul Is a Witness for cinematic adaptation. Souleyka will also pen the script and Andrew Dosunmu (Beauty, and Mother of George) will direct. Yasmina Edwards is attached to produce.
My Soul is a Witness unfolds in the heart of colonial Senegal, moving to the devastating battlefields of Europe during WWII. It tells the poignant story of Awa and Ibrahim, a young couple whose lives are upended by war. Their love story takes a tragic turn when Ibrahim is conscripted and later presumed dead in 1940. Driven by love and hope, Awa embarks on a perilous journey to Paris in January 1942, seeking any trace of Ibrahim. She finds refuge in the Paris city mosque, alongside Jews evading Nazi persecution. However, her quest leads her to Auschwitz, where, in a twist of fate, she miraculously finds Ibrahim alive. Their reunion in the midst of horror fuels their determination to survive the atrocities of the concentration camp and bear witness to the unspeakable cruelties they have faced.
Gabriel Souleyka holds a Ph.D. in History with a specialty in African History. He published his first novel Le Cri De L’Innocence in 2020, which enjoyed great success in France. For many years, he worked as a script doctor and produced his first feature film in 1995, Les Déclassés, directed by Tony Baillargeat. He then worked on various film projects as a screenwriter. “Learning your history is like looking into an unfiltered mirror and seeing yourself for what you really are,’ he said.
Andrew Dosunmu is a Nigerian photographer and filmmaker known for his works that combine African culture with contemporary urbanism. His career began in the fashion industry, where his photography gained recognition for its vivid and culturally rich imagery. Transitioning into filmmaking, Dosunmu’s debut feature film, Restless City (2011), premiered at Sundance, showcasing his distinctive visual style. His 2013 film, Mother of George, won the Cinematography Award at Sundance, further establishing his prowess. Dosunmu’s works often explore the African immigrant experience, blending narrative depth with visual poetry. His most recent directorial outing saw him working with Lena Waithe on the 2022 Netflix film Beauty.
“’I am thrilled and honored to be a part of bringing this incredible, emotional, and sensitive story to the screen,” said the director. “The pain and sacrifices that humans have endured are a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It is a privilege to be involved in sharing such a powerful narrative with audiences.”
Yasmina F. Edwards is a producer, and launched her latest project after meeting Gabriel Souleyka. Intrigued by his soon-to-be-published book, My Soul is a Witness, Yasmina proposed a film adaptation. Under the banner of Tioleja Films, whose ethos is encapsulated in the Yoruba word “tioleja” meaning “unbreakable”, Yasmina aims to bring stories of unsung heroes to the forefront.
“This story recounted through the prism of a Black woman desperate to find her husband during WW2 is an opportunity to share the untold story of brotherhood during the resistance which brought together Africans, Muslims, Jews and Christians to fight the enemy together.”
Filming for My Soul is a Witness will begin in Europe and Africa, Fall of 2024.