Wùlu (2016)
A fierce and unflinching crime thriller from Mali that traces one man's perilous ascent through the criminal underworld.
Wùlu - Movie Information
- Original Title: Wùlu
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Daouda Coulibaly
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: Bambara
- Spoken Languages: Bambara, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 14, 2017 (France)
- Production Companies: La Chauve Souris, Astou Films, Orange, Appaloosa Cinéma
- Production Countries: France, Mali, Senegal
Wùlu - Plot
Malian-French director Daouda Coulibaly's auspicious debut is a pulse-pounding political thriller. Wùlu tells the unsettling tale of a man's rise from the bottom rung of the social ladder to the heights of criminal power.
Wùlu - Trailer
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Wùlu - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Daouda Coulibaly
Main Cast
- Ibrahim Koma
- Inna Modja
- Quim Gutiérrez
- Olivier Rabourdin
- Ndiaye Ismaël
- Balla Habib Dembélé
Writers
- Daouda Coulibaly
Wùlu - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch Wùlu?
Wùlu is available to stream on select platforms in the US. You can check current streaming availability, rental, and purchase options for your region by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date listings across major services including VOD platforms.
What is Wùlu about?
Wùlu follows Ladji, a young Malian bus driver who becomes entangled in the drug trade and rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld. The film is a tense political thriller exploring ambition, corruption, and the social forces that push ordinary people toward crime.
Is Wùlu based on a true story?
Wùlu is not directly based on a single true story, but it is deeply rooted in the real political and social instability of Mali. Director Daouda Coulibaly drew on documented drug trafficking networks and the turbulent post-coup landscape of the country to craft a grounded, realistic narrative.
Who are the main actors in Wùlu?
Wùlu stars Ibrahim Koma as Ladji, Inna Modja as Aminata, Quim Gutiérrez as Rafael, Olivier Rabourdin as Jean-François, Ndiaye Ismaël as Zol, and Balla Habib Dembélé as Issiaka.
Who directed Wùlu and is it a debut film?
Wùlu was directed by Daouda Coulibaly, a Malian-French filmmaker. It marks his feature directorial debut and was widely praised for its assured, confident storytelling, earning recognition at several international film festivals upon its release.
When was Wùlu released?
Wùlu had its French theatrical release on June 14, 2017. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016 in the Directors' Fortnight section, which significantly raised its international profile before its wider distribution.
What language is Wùlu filmed in?
Wùlu is primarily filmed in Bambara, the principal language of Mali, with dialogue also in French. This linguistic authenticity contributes to the film's immersive portrayal of Malian society and distinguishes it within contemporary West African cinema.
Did Wùlu screen at any major film festivals?
Yes, Wùlu premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in the prestigious Directors' Fortnight sidebar. The selection brought significant international attention to the film and to director Daouda Coulibaly, establishing it as one of the most notable West African films of that year.
More About Wùlu
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