The African Doctor

Seyolo Zantoko graduates from medical school in Lille in 1975, becoming the only Black student in his class. He declines a prestigious post in Zaire offered by President Mobutu, choosing instead a position offered by the mayor of Marly-Gomont. This move marks the beginning of his family's attempt to build a new life in rural northern France.

The Zantoko family lands in Marly-Gomont, a village where locals have rarely seen people like them. First impressions are colored by fear and distrust as neighbors watch with guarded curiosity. The family hopes to pursue a better life and quietly seek French citizenship.

Sivi and Kamini endure bullying at school as the community adjusts to their presence. The children face taunts and exclusion, underscoring the initial resistance to integration. The family clings to the hope that acceptance will grow with time and effort.

Seyolo’s medical practice struggles as many locals prefer to keep traveling to the neighboring village for care. The lack of trust in a Black doctor hinders him from building a stable patient base. The family confronts financial and social pressures as they adjust to rural life.

A heated argument between Seyolo and Anne in front of visiting relatives reveals tension about the couple’s future. Seyolo promises they will eventually move to Brussels to be closer to their kin, reflecting the strain of assimilation and belonging. The moment tests their marriage and their ties to the village.

Seyolo delivers the baby of a local farmer, a skillful act that earns him trust from the farmer and many villagers. Word-of-mouth begins to transform perceptions, drawing more people to his practice. The community starts to see him as a valued, capable doctor.

As the practice expands, the Zantoko family starts to feel more at home in the village. The prospect of a long stay becomes more tangible, even as Anne maintains her wish to move eventually. Seyolo commits to staying long term, signaling his dedication to the community.

The mayor hosts a dinner and expresses happiness about Seyolo’s continued presence. The gesture deepens the sense of belonging for the family, though Anne remains unsettled about their future. The moment highlights the village’s growing warmth and the political undercurrents at play.

Seyolo is arrested on immigration irregularities just days before his French citizenship could be approved. The incident tests the family’s resolve and the village’s support, intensifying the political stakes around the election. It marks a sharp turn in their journey toward belonging.

The local electoral race intensifies as the incumbent mayor’s fate hinges on keeping a local doctor of French origin. The opponent Lavigne envisions a different future for the village, heightening tensions and mobilizing voters. The Zantoko family becomes a focal point in the political contest.

Sivi’s growing talents on the soccer field help the local team win and become a community beacon. Her success deepens the villagers’ connection to the Zantokos and softens resistance to their presence. The family’s impact on the town begins to feel tangible and positive.

An energetic plan to remind voters of the Zantokos’ value gains momentum, and Anne returns to Marly-Gomont to support her husband. They attend a school performance that re-enacts their arrival and acceptance, sealing their place in the community. The show crystallizes their integration into village life.

The election passes with the incumbent mayor reelected, and Seyolo’s office reopens with Anne taking a secretary role. The Zantoko family remains rooted in Marly-Gomont, their bond strengthened by communal support. The village continues to rely on their doctor and their presence.

In 2008, Seyolo is awarded a Medal of Merit for his service to Picardy, a quiet testament to a life spent aiding others. The recognition marks a late but meaningful acknowledgment of his decades of work and commitment. The village remembers him as a steady, selfless doctor who helped shape the community.

Seyolo dies in a car accident in 2009, and his funeral is attended by nearly every member of the village who relied on him. In the epilogue, Anne moves to Brussels to be nearer her extended family, while Sivi becomes a nurse in Brussels and Kamini pursues a career as a comedian; Kamini’s 2006 hit Marly-Gomont plays over the closing credits as a lasting tribute to the welcoming village.