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The Young Girl

Name: The Young Girl
Director: Souleymane Cissé
Released: 1975
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

7.1/10

Good

1975

Director

Souleymane Cissé

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Souleymane Cissé’s work is a powerful assertion of African ability to act, successfully reclaiming the narrative from colonial cinematic structures. By centering indigenous rhythms and Malian perspectives, the film provides a rare, authentic look at regional identity without relying on Western validation. The film excels in its nuanced portrayal of gendered systemic violence and the psychological depth of its protagonist. However, it lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities, remaining strictly within traditional communal structures. Additionally, the depiction of disability is tied to a heavy and tragic narrative arc.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Young Girl have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses solely on traditional family and community structures.

How does The Young Girl portray gender?

Good

The story centers around a young woman's role and internal life, highlighting the pressures she faces due to societal expectations. It explores the consequences of sexual violence and the systemic vulnerabilities women encounter.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Young Girl?

Excellent

This film features an entirely Black, Malian cast and narrative, presenting an authentic cultural landscape free from the Western perspective. It emphasizes regional identity and cultural authenticity.

How does The Young Girl represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film highlights local Malian traditions and spiritual beliefs, avoiding Western models. It uses a post-colonial lens to critique power structures and communal expectations.

Does The Young Girl include disability representation?

Good

The protagonist's muteness is central to the film's narrative structure. This condition underscores her sensory experiences and her isolation within the community.

Present on Screen

Authentic racial and ethnic representation through a purely Malian cast and perspective.
Sophisticated cultural critique that prioritizes indigenous traditions over Western social models.
In-depth exploration of female roles and the psychological impact of systemic violence.

Limited or Absent

No LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that challenge straight-centered assumptions.
Depiction of disability is inextricably linked to a tragic and heavy narrative tone.

Official Synopsis

A young mute woman is raped and becomes pregnant, with disastrous consequences within her family. The film also sketches the social/economic situation in urban Mali in the 1970s, particularly in relation to the treatment of women.

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