The Adventures of Selika

The Adventures of Selika tells the story of a young African woman who was expelled by war and raised by a noble family in France in the middle of the 19th century. The film is the successor of the director of the award-winning short film “The Equestrian” with the dressage rider Carl Hester.

In her new film, director Sybil H. Mair tells the coming-of-age story of a young African woman. Selika grew up in France during the Second Empire under the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. When she escapes from the comfort and security of her home in rural France, Selika sets off for Paris to follow her own independent path.

The short film The Adventures of Selika is based on a photograph showing Selika Lazevski. Very little is known about the young African equestrian. The picture was taken by Felix Nadar, a famous French photographer of the 19th century. “Curious and mysterious. I was impressed by the strength and pride that emanated from this picture of a beautiful black woman in an elegant riding dress. Without antagonism or apology, her gaze simply says: I am here. The film explores the crucial events that lead her along this path,” says Sybil H. Mair.

The role of Selika is played by Cesar nominated French actress Karidja Toure (Girlhood), who had to learn to ride for her role in this short feature film. Sybil H. Mair continued her collaboration with the composer Tom Hunt, who created an impressive score for “The Equestrian”. More elaborate in the period production compared to the contemporary predecessor “The Equestrian”, Costume, make-up and production design are realized with great attention to detail. One of the locations was Chillington Hall – the beautiful mansion of the Giffard family near Birmingham.

Sybil H. Mair has created her own vision of a courageous young woman with her recent short feature film.

The Adventures of Selika at Imdb

Photos: (c) The Adventures of Selika / Xenophon Films