Character Relationship Map: Hawa

Characters

• Hawa (played by Sania Halifa) — protagonist

  Hawa is a young teenage girl living in Paris with her grandmother, Mamimata. As her grandmother’s health declines, Hawa works at a convenience store and boldly decides to seek adoption by an American...

• Mamimata (played by Oumou Sangaré) — supporting

  Mamimata is Hawa’s grandmother and a griot who is trying to train the girl to follow in her footsteps. Her failing health drives the central adoption concern: she wants Hawa to be cared for if she die...

• Erwan (played by Titouan Gerbier) — supporting
• Erwan's brother (played by Igor Badnjar) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Erwan's brother → Erwan (brother)
• Mamimata → Hawa (Family Grandmother And Granddaughter) — Their bond centers the story: Mamimata worries about Hawa's future, and her words continue to comfort Hawa after Mamimata dies.

  The reference identifies Hawa as Mamimata's granddaughter. Mamimata reassures her, urges her to become herself, and promises to remain with her after...

Story Analysis

The story follows Hawa's uncertainty about her future and the enduring comfort of Mamimata's words after loss.

Plot Progression

1. A Future Without Certainty — A ceremonial song begins the story, then attention turns to concern over who will care for Hawa. Her rejection of the cousins she has met leaves her future uncertain.
2. Mamimata's Mournful Refrain — Mamimata speaks about her wish to be buried in her own country and tries to reassure Hawa. Her repeated plea for Hawa to leave or hide conveys painful separation without clarifying its circumstances.
3. Work and Songs of Longing — Brief scenes show workers preparing an event honoring a former U.S. first lady and handling ordinary tasks. Songs about hurt and finding a way home add a sense of disorientation and longing.
4. A Voice That Remains — After Mamimata dies, Hawa carries her grandmother's words to the grave. The message comforts Hawa, who resolves to move forward and become herself.