Mati Diop

Mati Diop, born on June 22, 1982, in Paris, France, is a prominent figure in the film industry. She is known for her work as a director and actress, with a notable presence in both French and Senegalese cinema. Diop's directorial debut, "Atlantics," gained significant recognition at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix. This film marked a historic moment as Diop became the first black female director to be in contention for the festival's highest prize, the Palme d'Or. In addition to her directorial work, Diop has also acted in films such as "Both Sides of the Blade," released in 2022, where she played the role of Gabrielle.