Trailer Debut: 'Soumsoum, la nuit des astres' — Mahamat-Saleh Haroun's New Film in Berlinale Competition
February 12, 2026
The official trailer for Soumsoum, la nuit des astres (Soumsoum, The Night of the Stars), directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, has been released. The film will have its world premiere in Competition at the 76th Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin (Berlinale).
Soumsoum, la nuit des astres is a Chad-France co-production that explores themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage in the Ennedi desert of Chad.
Set in the ancient Ennedi desert, the film follows Kellou, a young woman haunted by visions that others refuse to acknowledge. In a world where ancient mountains hold the memory of forgotten civilizations, Kellou's ability to see what others cannot makes her different—and difference comes at a price.
Mahamat-Saleh Haroun is one of Africa's most celebrated filmmakers, known for his powerful explorations of post-conflict societies and human resilience. His previous work includes A Screaming Man (Un Homme qui crie), which won the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, and Grigris, which competed at Cannes in 2013.
Soumsoum, la nuit des astres marks Haroun's return to the Berlinale Competition, where he continues his tradition of bringing Chadian stories to international audiences.
The 76th Berlinale takes place from February 13-23, 2026.