Staff Only

Both a sensitive, perfectly acted coming-of-age tale and a razor-sharp critique of the exploitative ‘all-inclusive’ tourism industry, Neus Ballús’ drama follows 17-year-old Marta (newcomer Elena Andrada, a gifted natural) as she reluctantly embarks on a Christmas holiday in Senegal with her travel-agent father, Manil (Sergi López), and her grumpy little brother, Bruno (Ian Samsó). New worlds open up for Marta when she goes beyond the ‘staff only’ doorway and meets hotel maid Aissatou (Madeleine C. Ndong) and videographer Khouma (Diomaye A. Ngom)…

Drawing on her documentary background and a cast of first-time actors (European star López is the only professional), Ballús uses her directorial skill to fashion a drama both ‘perceptive [and] intelligent… The film’s defining strength may be Ballús’ rare ability to wield compassion for each one of her imperfect characters without making excuses for any of them…’ —Jessica Kiang, Variety