The Martinique-born director, Euzhan Palcy, was just 25 years old when she directed this influential adaptation of Joseph Zobel’s, Black Shack Alley. Set in Martinique in 1930, Black Shack Alley (also known as Sugar Cane Alley) tells the story of a grandmother’s battle for her orphaned, eleven-year-old grandson Jose to receive a good education and escape a life toiling in the fields.  When Jose wins a scholarship, she is ready to sacrifice everything for his chance at a new life.

Duration:
106 minutes

Languages:
French

Subtitles:
Full English

Country of origin:
France and Martinique

Year of production:
1983