Film pitch

"Torn from his roots and shattered by a war not his own, Sory - a young Baoulé - struggles to reclaim his identity."

In 1914, the First World War broke out in Europe. But its shockwave reached across continents: colonial powers forcibly conscripted thousands of men from Africa and Asia to fight in a war that was not their own.

Among them were young men from West African peoples, such as the Baoulé, torn from their homeland and sent to the front lines in horrific conditions. Many would never return. Those who survived came back forever changed — faced with rejection, silenced memories, and deep-rooted displacement.

Some bore the scars of battle in their flesh: the "gueules cassées", soldiers disfigured by war.

It is in this context that Sory, a young Baoulé, is caught in the turmoil of a distant and brutal war. His story echoes that of thousands forgotten by History — a journey of identity, survival, and remembrance.

Historical context

On the road to Verdun, Senegalese riflemen march toward the front.

Credit: Pierre Pansier/ECPAD/Defense

Our filmmaker

Joachim Lion, a young aspiring director aged 21.

After his first experience directing a luxury commercial, he is now venturing into animated short films with SORY (Mask): a powerful story inspired by the First World War.

Of Guinean descent through his mother, Joachim carries an intimate connection to the history of West African peoples. It is this bond that fueled the creation of SORY, inspired by African soldiers and the forgotten traumas of the First World War.

Our creative director

Roxane Amouyal develops the artistic direction of the film SORY.

She brings a vision that is both aesthetic and narrative, ensuring the film is anchored in strong graphic and historical coherence. Her mission: to enhance the film’s message through a striking, sensitive visual identity that remains faithful to the cultural stakes of the story.

See you Tuesday, June 10 !