Hawa is a feel-good coming-of-age story about the stubborn optimism of childhood and the warmth of chosen families.

• Hawa Movie Snapshot
• Hawa Movie Spoiler Free Plot Summary
• Hawa Movie Review

Hawa Movie Snapshot

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Maimouna Doucoure
Country: Senegal, France
Released: 2022
Run Time: 104 min

Hawa Movie Spoiler Free Plot Summary

Hawa is your classic feel-good coming-of-age story with strong themes that centre on grief, identity and belonging. The images are crisp, the characters quirky, and the cast is star-studded, which gives it its charm.

The titular character Hawa, played by Sania Halifa, lives in Paris with her terminally ill grandmother, Maminata, played by Oumou Sangare. They share a strong bond, but Hawa is uninterested in following her grandmother’s footsteps as a griot; her main focus is on the urgent matter of their separation. With no living relatives, what will become of her?

A series of interviews with a social worker proves pointless until Hawa gets the bold idea of being adopted by Michelle Obama. When she learns that the former first lady will be visiting the country, her determination to present her case embarks her on a wild ride, crashing Yseult’s concert and having famed astronaut Thomas Pesquet over for tea. Her wish is not granted, but she finds a loving home that embraces her quirks.

Hawa Movie Review

I am usually sceptical of star-studded casts because they can lean toward a gimmick. While Hawa has packed every buzz-generating name possible, it is definitely not that gimmicky a film. Every celebrity appearance is woven into the sentimental aspect of the story and fits right into the storyline.  

Sangare and Halifa complement each other, and their natural chemistry feels like a genuine relationship. Another touching moment was the interaction between Yseult and Halifa, highlighting the unique struggle of being a third-culture teenager, far from their origins. 

Likewise, Sangare’s and Pesquet’s casual interaction, without pomp around his celebrity status, brought a special focus on human warmth. The colour grading stamps it as a definitive Amazon production, yet it definitely grounds you in its Parisian setting. Wide shots frame Halifa in the expansive city, trying to reach her goal, and drive home the main theme of her need to find belonging.

 Hawa is a three-for-one bundle. In one film, we are treated to Sangare and Yseult’s music, a heartfelt coming-of-age film and a unique diaspora story that gently explores grief, chosen family, identity and the stubborn optimism of childhood. This movie will definitely be a classic and a repeat watch for families all year round. Sweet and sincere, the perfect story for family viewing, especially around the holidays. This one will definitely remind you to reach out to those special people who feel like home.

Hawa is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.