A photographer working at the Actualitiés Sénégalaises took a photograph of Diop which was seen by filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, who contacted Diop regarding Black Girl. Diop's family was very opposed to Diop's interest in film, but after Sembène visited with Diop she decided to accept the role. Her family and those in her neighborhood did not approve of her choice, and actively scorned her.[2]