In Mali, the expression “aller en aventure” (setting off on an adventure) is widely known: young men are encouraged to spread their wings and leave the country to become a "real" man. Belgian actress Aminata Demba travels to Mali in the footsteps of her deceased father, to discover what drove him to undertake his journeys, before arriving in the Antwerp diamond district in the early 1970s. Her quest leads to harsh confrontations, to enlightening encounters with new migrants and especially to a more personal look at migration today.

Pelikaanstraat 20 was broadcasted nationwide on Canvas, had screenings at various Belgian cultural centres & cinemas and enjoyed festival selections worldwide.

Length: 53 minutes
Language: Dutch, French & Bambara
Subtitles: Dutch, French & English

Produced by Aminata Demba, Marijn Duijvestein and Leslie Verbeeck
Written by Aminata Demba and Leslie Verbeeck
Directed, shot and edited by Leslie Verbeeck

Sound: Schröderer Schröder
Audio mix and sound design: Pieter Deweirdt
Poster: Mathilde Surmont