Directed by Rosine Mbakam • 2011 • Belgium, Cameroon
Starring Pierrette Aboheu, Karelle Kenmogne, Cécile Tchana

Over the past decade, Cameroonian filmmaker Rosine Mbakam has distinguished herself with her incisive observational documentary portraits of African women. With MAMBAR PIERRETTE, her feature narrative debut, Mbakam turns her eye to the eponymous Pierrette (Pierrette Aboheu Njeuthat), a gifted seamstress who works to support her young children and mother in the city of Douala, Cameroon. More than a tailor, she is the confidant of her customers and community. But when it starts pouring and the rain threatens to flood her workshop—one of many misfortunes—Pierrette will have to struggle to stay afloat. Marked by moments of everyday beauty and quiet grace, Mbakam’s naturalistic approach yields a quietly affecting portrait of resilience in the face of adversity and socioeconomic hardship.