L’Étoile de la Rue | Documentary Project in Senegal
About the Project:
L'Étoile de la Rue is a compelling, intimate documentary created by photographer and filmmaker Sethi, in collaboration with the production team of We Don't Care. The film follows the remarkable story of Saliou, a talented young basketball player from Dakar, Senegal, whose passion and determination have inspired those around him.
Initially sparked by Sethi's desire to explore his father's homeland, the documentary quickly evolved into something much deeper when he organically connected with Saliou on the streets of Dakar. Capturing their spontaneous bond, shared love for basketball, and mutual creative energy, the documentary offers a genuine portrayal of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery. It challenges conventional Western perspectives of Senegal and showcases the strength and potential found in everyday experiences.
While Sethi independently filmed the majority of the documentary in Senegal, the production team of We Don't Care provides vital creative direction, editing, post-production, and additional filming support. We Don't Care Foundation complements this by helping to secure essential funding, as the project's vision closely aligns with the foundation's core values of empowering youth and fostering creativity.
Current Status
L'Étoile de la Rue has become one of the most meaningful projects for our foundation, and it currently receives our full daily attention. With the generous support of the Amarte Fonds (€4,500), Sethi was able to complete the post-production of the Senegal footage and record additional key interviews in the Netherlands. This gave the project a solid foundation and allowed us to fully capture the richness of Saliou's story.
In the summer of 2025, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign via Voordekunst that raised €4,000, we were able to travel to the United States to document the next chapter of his journey. From the streets of Dakar to pursuing his basketball dream in Ohio, Saliou's path reflects exactly what We Don't Care Foundation stands for.
Alongside his athletic talent, we have now recorded deeply personal and intimate reflections. Having learned English in a remarkably short time, Saliou can now share his own thoughts and story directly with the world—making this documentary not only a portrait of talent but also a testimony to resilience and vision.
The WDC team is currently in the final stages of editing, working daily to shape the complete arc of this film. As our first full-length documentary, we are determined to release it with the professionalism and impact it deserves.
What Do We Still Need?
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Funding Support: While Amarte and crowdfunding have enabled crucial production steps, we are still seeking additional resources for final post-production (sound design, professional color grading, and mastering).
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Distribution Partners: Film festivals, cultural institutions, and international networks willing to collaborate on releasing L'Étoile de la Rue to a wide audience.
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Collaborations: We are developing related projects around the documentary's themes and vision, which will be announced in upcoming updates.
Get Involved
If you would like to support the inspiring journey of L'Étoile de la Rue through funding, distribution, or collaboration, please contact us at info@wedontcarefoundation.com, with "L'Étoile de la Rue" in the subject line.
This documentary is more than a film: it is a living expression of our mission. By following Saliou's journey from Senegal to the United States, it powerfully illustrates how dreams can break boundaries and inspire communities. Together, let's ensure this story reaches as many people as possible.