Film | TIMPI TAMPA (2024) – SENEGAL - FRANCE

When Khalilou, a bright and determined university student, learns that his mother is battling cancer caused by years of skin depigmentation, he is shaken to the core.

Outraged by the toxic beauty standards that idealize lighter skin, he decides to take a bold and unconventional stand. Disguising himself as Leila, he enters the highly competitive “Miss Students” pageant — an event where light skin has long been the unspoken rule for success.

Through this audacious act, Khalilou seeks to challenge deeply rooted prejudices and create space for dark-skinned young women to be seen, celebrated, and valued.