Furcy Born Free: Trailer for Abd Al Malik’s Historical Drama
Inspired by the true story of Reunionese slave Furcy Madeleine.
Presented at the last Angoulême Festival, Furcy born free is freely adapted from the book The Furcy Slave Affair by Mohammed Aïssaoui. Abd Al Malik (May Allah bless France) door to screen this little-known historical figure on a screenplay by Etienne Comar (Of men and gods).
Synopsis: Reunion Island, 1817. Upon the death of his mother, the slave Furcy discovers documents that could make him a free man. With the help of an abolitionist prosecutor, he launches into a legal battle for recognition of his rights.
“This story means something fundamental today, in the 21st century… in relation to the times we are going through in France and in the world“, explains Ab Al Malik in the film’s press kit.
“It’s about us, all of us. It’s the story of slavery, but for me Furcy is more a film about its abolition. And the reality is that I am speaking to the humans that we are. Aimé Césaire said: ‘Black as a department of humanity’. And I start from the fact that I am black and that it is my story, just as we can start from the fact that we are a woman, as we can start from the fact that we come from a particular socio-cultural background, advantaged or disadvantaged, etc. The reality is that I speak about everyone.“
Furcy born free is carried by an impressive cast, with Makita Samba (The Olympics) in the title role, Romain Duris, Ana Girardot and Vincent Macaigne. It will be released in cinemas on January 14, 2026. Trailer:
