Yao

Yao, a 13-year-old in a northern Senegal village, longs to meet his hero Seydou Tall, a famed French actor. When Seydou travels to Dakar to promote a new book, the boy hatches a plan to reach the capital before he leaves. He sets off alone on a grueling 387 kilometer trek, determined to overcome every obstacle in his path. Touched by the boy's audacity, Seydou abandons his duties and decides to accompany him home. Along dusty roads and changing landscapes, the two travelers discover that a man reclaiming his past can also help a young dreamer find his future.

Directed by Philippe Godeau, Yao is built from a concept by Agnès de Sacy. The film stars Omar Sy as Seydou Tall and Fatoumata Diawara as Gloria, with Lionel Louis Basse as Yao.

The movie has grossed about 4.0 million dollars worldwide, reflecting a modest international run while performing especially well in France and Senegal.

Yao stands out in contemporary African cinema for pairing a personal voyage with a coming-of-age tale about roots and mentorship. Omar Sy and Fatoumata Diawara bring warmth to scenes, while Germaine Acogny as Tanam adds a memorable cultural counterpoint.

Critics praised the film for its gentle humor and character chemistry, highlighting themes of intergenerational friendship, the pull of origins, and the contrast between public life and private duty. The road becomes a space for mutual discovery rather than spectacle.