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Entertainment|Cannes Film Festival
Identity and Exclusion Explored

Block Pass (La Pampa)

Revving through the sweeping landscapes of the French countryside, director Antoine Chevrollier's debut film BLOCK PASS zooms in with the electrifying energy of motocross races. Chevrollier, making a notable leap from television to film, crafts a narrative that vibrates with vigor, the complexities of perceived masculinity, and a persistent defiance against what some consider norms—all set against the dynamic thrum of motocross at La Pampa.

A Gritty Gaze Into Parisian Life’s Complexity

The Story of Souleymane (L'histoire de Souleymane)

THE STORY OF SOULEMANE, directed by Boris Lojkine, takes audiences on an immersive journey through the streets of Paris, captured through the eyes of Souleymane, a bike courier. As he weaves through the urban expanse, the film unfolds like a visual diary, revealing his personal and systemic challenges. Lojkine's narrative is a testament to the unseen lives of those who operate on the edges of society, making the film a compelling slice of cinematic realism.

Discover Identity Through Intertwined Fates

Universal Language (Une Langue Universelle)

Set off on an extraordinary voyage with UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, where director Matthew Rankin creates a magical yet grounded world. As the film unfolds, a seemingly ordinary find—a stash of money encased in ice—kicks off a sprawling tale that spans from Tehran to Winnipeg to Montreal. This exploration shows so many different worlds across so many borders. This simple discovery links the lives of young Negin (Rojina Esmaeili) and Nazgol (Saba Vahedyousefi) to Matthew (Matthew Rankin,) a man disillusioned with his tedious office job, propelling him toward a fresh start and into the presence of Massoud (Pirouz Nemati,) a charismatic tour guide navigating the historical mystique of Winnipeg.

A Modern Fairy Tale of Farming and Family

Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)

From its opening shot, HOLY COW captures the imagination—a calf nonchalantly chilling inside a car, ready to embark on an unexpected and simultaneously captivating journey (I promise, stick with me on this!) This visual hook introduces us to Totone (Clément Faveau,) a vibrant teenager whose life in the pastoral Jura (located in Eastern France) pivots from leisure to a quest for maturity and mastery in the traditional craft of Comté cheese-making (no, seriously, this is incredible!)

An Authentic Glimpse Into Hidden Lives

Simon of the Mountain (Simón de la Montaña)

With sweeping vistas, heartfelt acting, and a powerful narrative, SIMON OF THE MOUNTAIN crafts this story as emotionally stirring as it is visually arresting. The film introduces us to Simon (Lorenzo Ferro,) a young man who will learn what it means to live outside his world. Yet, the crux of his journey lies in the heartening and transformative relationships he forms with two children, each facing their challenges. This trio's interplay reshapes their understanding of joy and the essence of a fulfilling life, challenging the audience to reevaluate their understanding of how the world functions and what it means to be happy.