Written and directed by Euzhan Palcy, Sugar Cane Alley is set in Martinique under French colonial rule in 1930 and tells the story of 11-year-old José, who wins a scholarship, and his grandmother’s battle to ensure he takes the chance of the education it offers. More importantly for her, it also provides him with the opportunity to escape their harsh and brutal life on the plantation. The debut feature of Euzhan Palcy – who went on to direct A Dry White Season – marked the arrival of a rare filmmaking talent.
Find out more about the life and career of Euzhan Palcy in this story in The Guardian