- “Papillon” (1973): Based on the autobiography of the same name, this gripping film follows the story of Henri Charričre, a French convict who was sent to the penal colony in French Guiana. It showcases the harsh realities of his imprisonment and his relentless fight for freedom.
- “The Devil’s Island” (1939): Set on the infamous Devil’s Island, this drama film explores the lives of prisoners and their struggles within the French penal colony. It offers a glimpse into the brutal conditions and the desperate attempts of some prisoners to escape.
- “O Invasor” (2002): Although not entirely set in French Guiana, this Brazilian thriller features a pivotal sequence on Devil’s Island. The story revolves around three partners in a construction company and their troubling relationships when faced with their own crimes and ambitions.
- “L’Enfant d’en haut” (2012): Also known as “Sister,” this Swiss-French drama takes place partly in a comfortable ski resort in Switzerland and partly in the shantytowns of French Guiana. It follows the life of a young boy who resorts to stealing in the resort to support himself and his sister.
- “La Traversée” (2012): This film, directed by Jérôme Cornuau, explores the relationship between a brilliant neurosurgeon and a woman he saves from suicide. Their journey takes them across Guyana, including French Guiana, as they develop a profound connection.
- There are several famous novels set in French Guiana:
- “Papillon” by Henri Charričre: This memoir follows the gripping story of Henri Charričre, a French convict who was sentenced to life in the penal colony on Devil’s Island in French Guiana. It vividly portrays the harsh conditions and brutalities of the prison system.
- “The Rains of Castamere” by Wilfried N’Sondé: This novel explores the life of a Congolese immigrant named Gabriel, who ends up in French Guiana. It delves into themes of identity, struggle, and hope against the backdrop of the region’s cultural diversity.
- “Bonjour Blanc” by Joseph Zobel: Set in 1930s French Guiana, this coming-of-age novel follows the life of José, a young boy of African descent who faces social and racial challenges in the colonial society. It gives a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of race relations in the region.
- “Cesaria” by Johary Ravaloson: This novel tells the story of Cesaria, a young woman who embarks on a journey from Madagascar to French Guiana in search of a better life. It delves into the harsh realities faced by immigrants and their quest for a brighter future.
- “Rainy Season” by José Eduardo Agualusa: Although not technically set solely in French Guiana, this novel features the region as one of its main settings. It weaves an intricate tale of three characters connected by fate, exploring themes of identity, love, and political turmoil
WANDERLIST: French Guiana in books and on film
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