Girlhood

Marieme’s future isn’t looking too bright. Things are not working out at home and at school, and her banlieue is ruled by rivalling boy gangs. She finds a surrogate family in a feisty girl gang, but needs to completely reinvent herself in the process.

Céline Sciamma (Tomboy, Naissance de pieuvres) drew inspiration for her delicate character study from the groups of black teenage girls she often saw talking loudly or dancing in the Les Halles shopping centre in Paris, in the metro or at the Gare du Nord. She became fascinated by their aesthetics, style, and postures, and also found among them the four lead actresses for her film.

Sciamma looked without prejudice at what defines female identity when confronted with social pressure, restrictions and taboos. Her realistic portrait is presented through the eyes of the young women themselves as they try to shape their lives in these underprivileged neighbourhoods. Opening film of the Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes.

…the delicate sense of style, rhythm and energy …deserves full praise. (**** de Volkskrant)

There have been many films on the subject, but few are as powerful as Girlhood… A moving…optimistic film…a sublime final scene… (**** Het Parool)

…great…natural acting…a poetic edge… subtle, open-minded observations (**** VPRO/Cinema.nl)