Abou Sangare, a 23-year-old undocumented Guinean migrant, has been granted a work permit in France, successfully avoiding deportation. This achievement comes after his exceptional performance at the Cannes Film Festival last year, where he won the best male performance in the Un Certain Regard section for his role in L'Histoire de Souleymane ("Souleymane's Story").

Sangare portrayed a food delivery cyclist in Paris preparing for an immigration interview in a narrative that closely reflects his personal experiences as an undocumented migrant. Following three unsuccessful attempts to obtain a work visa and facing a deportation order, Sangare's lawyer, Claire Perinaud, shared the news on January 8 that he secured a one-year work permit, which he hopes to renew for a more permanent status in the future.

In an interview with Liberation, Sangare expressed his intentions to pursue a career as a mechanic instead of continuing in the film industry, stating, "There might be offers but I’m a mechanic, that’s my trade. I can’t wait to start working in the garage."

Despite lacking prior acting experience, Sangare was discovered by director Boris Lojkine after he attended an open casting call in Amiens, while juggling odd jobs to support himself and help his family. He had fled Guinea to fund his mother’s medical needs, which led him on a perilous journey through the Sahara and across the Mediterranean.

Director Lojkine remarked on the weight of responsibility when choosing Sangare for the lead role, emphasizing the importance of his legal status for the completion of the film’s narrative. "It’s only when he has his papers that I will feel like I have finished my film," he said.

This breakthrough for Sangare highlights the intricacies of immigration issues faced by many in France and serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between personal narrative and artistic expression. For the detailed story, refer to the original articles from Le Monde and South China Morning Post.