Black Girl

The story shifts between Diouana’s present life in France, where she works as a domestic servant, and flashbacks to her earlier life in Senegal. Diouana comes from a poor village outside Dakar and often searches the city for work. One day, a French woman known as Madame visits a square looking for a servant and chooses Diouana because she does not aggressively compete with the other unemployed women. Madame initially hires her to care for her children in Dakar. As a gift, Diouana gives the couple a traditional mask she bought from a young boy, which they display in their home. When Monsieur and Madame offer her a job in France, Diouana is thrilled, imagining a new life where she can explore the country. Instead, she is confined to their apartment, spending her days cooking and cleaning for the couple and their friends. Madame treats her harshly, and Diouana becomes increasingly confused and unhappy. She had expected to care for the children as she did in Senegal, but in France she is isolated and denied the freedom she once enjoyed. A letter from her mother asking why she has not written and requesting money further distresses her. After Monsieur reads it to her, Diouana tears it apart. Madame continues to pressure her, demanding that she work from early morning. Diouana eventually tries to reclaim the mask she gave the family, leading to a struggle. She refuses to work, and when Monsieur offers her salary, she rejects it. Overwhelmed by her circumstances, Diouana commits suicide by slitting her throat in the family’s bathtub. The film ends with Monsieur returning to Senegal with her suitcase, mask, and money. He offers money to her mother, but she refuses. As he leaves the village, the young boy who sold Diouana the mask follows behind him, wearing it on his face.