La Semaine de la Critique will present seven feature films in the competition for its 62nd edition which runs from 17 to 26 May 2023
TIGER STRIPES
Malay director Amanda Nell Eu’s first feature film, offers a new, witty, and extravagant take on teenage metamorphosis and rebellion. A surprising and delightful fantasy film that celebrates young women’s desire to let loose in a society that aims to firmly discipline them.
SOFIA
Sofia is an athlete who dreams of reaching the top, but her dream turns into a nightmare when she finds out she is pregnant. An unwanted pregnancy that she cannot legally terminate since abortion is still illegal in Brazil. The countdown has started, and Sofia’s mind is made up. With Levante, her first feature, Brazilian director Lillah Halla stands up to conservatism that is eating away at her country with a unifying, queer outlook. One for all, and all for Sofia.
SLEEP
There’s no dozing off when watching Sleep, Korean director Jason Yu’s first feature film. Bong Joon-Ho’s former assistant director signs a sensational film as he tells the story of a struggling young couple before and after their first child is born. A closed setting: three chapters, two protagonists, one crying baby, a barking dog, and a roaming ghost: the perfect ingredients for a horrific, devilishly effective comedy.
LE RAVISSEMENT
In her film Le ravissement, French director Iris Kaltenbäck skillfully tackles the issues of a very close, intimate friendship between two women, and delivers a riveting psychological thriller. A breathtaking first film with very fine, delicately crafted writing, and a stunning cast: Hafsia Herzi, Nina Meurisse, Alexis Manenti and Younes Boucif.
LOST COUNTRY
Serbian director Vladimir Perišić’s second feature film, is an intimate and political saga set in 1996 Belgrade during the students’ demonstrations against Milosevic’s regime. A teenager is torn between his own convictions and his love for his mother, a corrupt politician. A powerful film that overhauls the canons of classical drama.
INSHALLAH, A BOY
The very first film from Jordan to be presented at La Semaine de la Critique. Amjad Al Rasheed’s first film is the deeply moving portrait of Nawal – a care worker, a widow and mother of a young girl – who is fighting like hell for her independence, played by Palestinian actress Mouna Hawa. She imbues this radiant, determined warrior with the gravitas of the greatest female heroes in the history of cinema.
IL PLEUT DANS LA MAISON
A bittersweet summer tale, Il pleut dans la maison is Belgian director Paloma Sermon-Daï’s first fiction feature. Staying clear of pathos, she tells us the unadorned story of the relationship between siblings who try to stay together with their dignity intact as their home is flooded and their bank account emptied. Two wonderful characters, beautifully written and interpreted by the young Purdey and Makenzy Lombet.
NO LOVE LOST – Closing Film
To finish with a bang, La Semaine de la Critique will present No Love Lost Erwan Le Duc’s delectable second feature. A French tragicomedy with a quirky, poetic take on relationships between parents and children. Father and daughter – Nahuel Perez Biscayart and Céleste Brunnquell – are inseparable. An irresistible duo that will make you laugh at the drop of a hat.
La Semaine de la Critique will take place in Cannes between the 17th and 25th of May.