A Day in the life: The Harsh Reality of a Delivery Rider

Amidst the cacophony of honking cars adn screeching buses, a young man navigates the chaotic streets of Paris. Sulaymann (Abu Sanggar), a Guinean refugee applicant, works tirelessly as a food delivery rider. His days are a relentless cycle of racing against time, fueled by meager meals and the constant pressure to earn enough to survive. The film 48-Hour Paris Courier Engineer offers a raw and unflinching look at his struggle for survival.

Even after a week of grueling work, sulaymann earns a mere 40 to 80 euros.

This stark reality highlights the economic challenges faced by many refugees and asylum seekers in Europe. According to a recent report by the UNHCR, refugees frequently enough face significant barriers to employment, including language difficulties, lack of recognition of qualifications, and discrimination.

From Cannes to the César: An Award-Winning Portrayal

The film, titled 48-Hour Paris Courier Engineer, focuses on the two days leading up to Sulaymann’s crucial interview for legal residency in Paris. This compelling narrative has garnered significant acclaim, earning recognition at prestigious film festivals.

Prior to its Korean release as part of the 2025 French Film Week—co-organized by the French Embassy, Art Nine, and the Film Center—the film had already generated considerable buzz in Europe. last year, it secured the Jury Prize and Best Actor award in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. This year, it achieved further success, winning four awards at the César Awards, including Best Screenplay.

César Awards

The film won four awards at the César Awards, including Best Screenplay.

Beyond the Postcard: A Different Outlook on Paris

Unlike typical portrayals of Paris as a glamorous tourist destination, 48-Hour Paris Courier Engineer presents a starkly different image. The film eschews the iconic landmarks and romanticized views, rather focusing on the gritty reality of a young man’s struggle for survival in a foreign land.The narrative centers on Sulaymann’s daily grind, highlighting the challenges and hardships he faces as he navigates the complexities of life as a refugee applicant.

The film’s success underscores the growing demand for stories that shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities and offer a more nuanced understanding of contemporary social issues. By focusing on the individual struggles of Sulaymann, 48-Hour Paris Courier Engineer provides a powerful and moving commentary on the realities of immigration and the human cost of seeking refuge.

A glimpse into the Precarious Existence of Undocumented Workers

Boris Roskin’s documentary, 48-Hour Paris Courier Engineer, offers a stark and unflinching look into the life of Sulaymann, an undocumented migrant from Guinea-Conakry navigating the treacherous landscape of Paris. The film, clocking in at 94 minutes, avoids romanticizing the migrant experience, instead presenting a raw and realistic portrayal of survival. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the human cost of economic migration.

The relentless Grind: Exploitation and the Struggle for Survival

Sulaymann’s daily life is a relentless cycle of exploitation. earning a meager 120 euros a week, he works tirelessly, constantly seeking account authentication on his delivery app. The film highlights the vulnerability of undocumented workers, who often face abuse and violence with little recourse. Even physical harm, such as being assaulted for failing to pay a broker on time, doesn’t afford him a moment’s respite. the pressure to earn and survive is constant, mirroring the experiences of countless individuals in similar situations across Europe. According to a recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), migrant workers are disproportionately represented in precarious and low-wage jobs, facing higher risks of exploitation and abuse.

Sound and Silence: Amplifying the Reality

Roskin’s directorial choices amplify the film’s impact. The absence of a traditional musical score is striking. Instead, the soundtrack consists solely of Sulaymann’s footsteps, his breathing, and the ambient noise of the city. This minimalist approach underscores the isolation and lack of comfort in Sulaymann’s existence,emphasizing the harsh realities he faces daily.the film strips away any romantic notions, leaving only the stark reality of his struggle.

The Exile Interview: Truth vs.Survival

The film’s second half centers on Sulaymann’s refugee exile interview, a pivotal moment where his fate hangs in the balance.He is given a passing scenario by a broker, a fabricated story designed to meet the stringent requirements of the French authorities. The tension is palpable as sulaymann grapples with the moral dilemma of lying to secure his safety. ultimately, he chooses to reveal his true experiences, a decision that is both courageous and deeply human. This act of honesty, symbolized by the first sunlight illuminating his face, marks a turning point in his journey.

An Open Ending: A Question for the Audience

The film deliberately avoids a neat resolution. Roskin leaves the audience with a challenging question: Do you think Sulaymann is eligible to stay in France, or should he be deported? This open ending forces viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions about immigration, prompting a critical examination of the complex ethical considerations involved. The decision,as Roskin implies,ultimately rests with us,the viewers,reflecting the broader societal responsibility in addressing the plight of migrants.