Directed by
Jérémie Battaglia
Language
French
Produced by
Les Films Extérieur Jour, Les productions du Lagon, 13Prods
84 min, Documentary, Canada, France, 2024
In the south of France, Jawad and Belka, two young men from North African origin free themselves through their passion for Camargue races. Much more than a traditional fight, this confrontation in front of a bull allows them to take their place in the arena as well as in French society. But at what cost?
Synopsis
In the south of France, in the heart of the Camargue, an ancient and little-known tradition takes place. In the region’s arenas, young men dressed in white confront bulls in a dangerous and impressive face-off. Much more than a traditional sport, this fight without killing the bull offers many young people from North African immigrant backgrounds the chance to take their place in the arena and in French society. Among them are Jawad and Belka, two bullfighters at a crossroads. Following a major injury, Jawad is questioning his future in the sport. Belka, on the other hand, is following in his father’s footsteps. He sees his passion as an opportunity to escape an uncertain future and realize his dream of becoming French champion. The film plunges us into the intimacy of these characters. Through their discreet words, they recount their reality as young French people of North African origin. Outside the arena, it’s a fight against racism they must wage.
Crew
Writer : Jérémie Battaglia
Cinematography: Jérémie Battaglia
Sound : Jérémie Battaglia, Fabrice Malivel
Editing : Andrea Henriquez
Sound Designer : Marie-Pierre Grenier
Sound Mixer : James Duhamel
Music : Armand Glowinski
Protagonists : Jawad Bakloul, Belkacem Benhammou, Tito Sanchez; Rachida Benhammou, Mohamed Benhammou, Julia Rodriguez, Mehdi Ait Idir
Production : Amélie Lambert Bouchard & Elodie Pollet (Les Films Extérieur Jour), Valérie Dupin (Les productions du Lagon), Cyrille Perez & Gilles Perez (13Prods)
