Mati Diop

Mati Diop is a French-Senegalese filmmaker and actress known for her storytelling and exploration of themes such as migration, identity, and memory.

Diop first gained international recognition with her short film "Atlantiques," which won the Tiger Award for Short Films at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. Her feature debut, "Atlantics," marked a milestone as she became the first Black female director to compete at the Cannes Film Festival, where the film won the Grand Prix. Diop's work is noted for its visual style and its approach to complex geopolitical and social issues through spiritual realism and fantasy.

Diop's career includes a series of short films and a presence in both European and African cinema. Her documentary short "Mille Soleils" paid homage to her uncle, Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambéty, and was showcased at festivals including Toronto International Film Festival and the Museum of Modern Art. As an actress, Diop is known for her role in Claire Denis’s "35 Shots of Rum," demonstrating her versatility in the cinematic arts. Her films have been featured at festivals such as Venice, New York, and London, and she has served as a jury member at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

Diop won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for her documentary "Dahomey," which addresses the restitution of African art from France to Benin. Her achievements have established her as a voice in contemporary cinema, and her public speaking engagements reflect her commitment to artistic innovation and cultural dialogue. Diop's ability to intertwine personal narrative with broader social commentary positions her as a figure for audiences and a speaker at international film and cultural events.