The film, which was inspired by Denis» own experiences in Africa and those of working amongst the stark
Southwest landscapes of Paris, Texas, proved to be a very auspicious debut, screening at Cannes that year and earning both a Golden Palm nomination and a César nomination for Best New Director.Denis
followed her debut the next year with Man No Run, a documentary about Les Têtes Brulées («the Flaming
Heads»), a Cameroon band on their first French tour.