Acclaimed Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako (Timbuktu, Life on Earth) has unveiled his latest offering, Black Tea, a love story set against the backdrop of cultural exchange. The film, described as a “timeless, universal love story” by Gaumont, will have its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival’s Main Competition this month.
Black Tea follows Aya, a young woman from the Ivory Coast, who makes a bold decision to reject her arranged marriage and embark on a new life in Guangzhou, China. There, amidst the vibrant melting pot of the African diaspora and Chinese culture, she finds employment at a tea boutique owned by Cai, a middle-aged Chinese man.
Black Tea delves into the challenges and triumphs of cross-cultural relationships, offering a glimpse into the “complex Chinese-African relationship” through Aya and Cai’s journey. The film stars Nina Mélo, Chang Han, and Wu Ke-Xi, and boasts a production team including Cinefrance Studios, Archipel 35, and Dune Vision.
Sissako, who also wrote the screenplay with Kessen Tall, drew inspiration from an Afro-Chinese couple running a restaurant named “La Colline Parfumée” (“The Perfumed Hill”). He found Guangzhou, known as “Chocolate City”, particularly alluring for its diverse tapestry of cultures and its ability to “encourage human encounters”.
While an official release date beyond the Berlin Film Festival remains unconfirmed, Black Tea has already garnered interest with its intriguing premise and cultural exploration.
