Faat Kiné 2001

After experiencing two pregnancies outside of marriage, Faat Kiné has established herself as a prosperous gas station owner in the male-dominated society of Senegal, all while raising her two children independently and ensuring their needs are fully met.

Once her children, Djip and Aby, finish their baccalaureates, they embark on a mission to set their mother up with Uncle Jean, a businessman who professes to have reservations due to Kiné’s Muslim faith, yet secretly harbors feelings for her.

As the narrative unfolds, Faat Kiné reflects on her tumultuous past. She was just on the brink of earning her own baccalauréat when she became pregnant by one of her professors. This life-altering event led to her expulsion from school and a complete severance from her father’s support. Overcome with shame, her father even attempted to set her ablaze, but her mother intervened, resulting in Faat Kiné enduring severe burn scars on her back. Despite these challenges, Kiné found work as a gas station attendant to provide for herself. Shortly after her first pregnancy, she faced abandonment from her fiancé, who took her life savings and tried to flee the country. Undeterred, Faat Kiné ultimately thrived, purchasing a home for herself, her children, and her mother. Fast forward to the present, and she feels a wave of joy as her children proudly present her with their baccalauréat diplomas.

During the celebratory party for the graduates, Djip’s father appears, but Djip pointedly refers to him as “Monsieur Boubacar Omar Payane, a.k.a. BOP” instead of “father.” Meanwhile, Aby’s father, M. Gaye, also graces the occasion, but when Aby seeks his support for her college education, he flatly tells her to turn to Faat Kiné for help. This is particularly disheartening, given that Kiné has been the sole provider for Aby while Gaye has contributed nothing to her upbringing. Following a heated exchange involving BOP, Gaye, and Djip, both men are expelled from the celebration. Ultimately, the party ends on a high note as Djip and Aby are thrilled to learn that Faat Kiné and Uncle Jean have formed a romantic relationship—a development they proudly attribute to their matchmaking efforts. However, it is evident that the attraction between Faat Kiné and Uncle Jean was present from the start.