On the occasion of the French National Day, Les Films du 3 Mars and Extérieur Jour are pleased to announce the digital release of the feature documentary Une jeunesse française. Written and directed by Jérémie Battaglia (At my bedside: autopsy of the health system, Adonis, Perfect), the film testifies to the emancipation of two young men of North African origin through their passion for Camargue races. Noted during its world premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, where it found itself in the top 20 of the public’s choice, then at the EBS International Documentary Festival (EIDF), where it won the Special Jury Prize, the film also charmed the critics during its appearance at the CINEMANIA French-speaking Film Festival. Presented at the opening of the competitive section dedicated to documentaries, it was crowned with the Post-Modern Jury Prize, in addition to being awarded a Special Mention.
A French Youth, which enjoyed good success during its festival run and its theatrical release, is now available across Canada via the online platform F3M+.
A FRENCH YOUTH by Jérémie BattagliaDocumentary. Canada/France. 2024. 84 minutes. Original French version with French or English subtitles.
Synopsis:
In the south of France, in the heart of the Camargue, an ancestral and little-known tradition takes place. In the region’s bullrings, young men dressed in white face bulls in a dangerous and impressive face to face. Much more than a traditional sport, this fight without killing the bull offers many young people from North African immigration the chance to take their place in the arena and in French society. Among them, Jawad and Belka, two raseteurs at a crossroads. Jawad, following a major injury, questions his future in this sport. Belka follows in his father’s footsteps. He sees in his passion an opportunity to get out of an uncertain future and realize his dream of becoming champion of France. The film offers a dive into the intimacy of the characters. Through their modest words, they tell their reality as young French people of North African origin. Outside the arenas, it is a fight against racism that they must lead.