26/04/2022 - The second feature by French director Mathieu Vadepied, toplined by Omar Sy, will open the competitive Un Certain Regard selection at the 75th Cannes Film Festival

Father & Solider by Mathieu Vadepied

Father & Soldier [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], the second feature-length directorial effort by DoP Mathieu Vadepied (following Learn by Heart [+see also:
trailer
film profile], which was screened in the 2015 Cannes Critics’ Week), is the film that will have the honour of opening the competitive Un Certain Regard selection at the 75^th Cannes Film Festival (17-28 May). The selection now comprises a total of 20 titles (15 of which were announced initially – see the news – with four more being added later – see the news).

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The movie, which will kick off Un Certain Regard in style on 18 May, is toplined by the most famous French actor in the world at the moment: Omar Sy. The star is flanked by other thesps including Alassane Diong and Jonas Bloquet. The screenplay, written by Mathieu Vadepied and Olivier Demangel, tells the story of Bakary Diallo, a father who enlists in the French army in 1917 to join Thierno, his 17-year-old son, who was drafted by force. Sent to the front, father and son will have to face the war together. Galvanised by the fervour of his officer, who wants to lead him to the heart of the battle, Thierno comes of age while Bakary does everything in his power to pull him out of the combat and bring him home safe and sound.

Produced by Bruno Nahon for Unité and by Omar Sy himself for Korokoro, Father & Soldier was co-produced by Gaumont (which will handle the French release and is also in charge of the international sales), France 3 Cinéma, Mille Soleils and Senegalese outfit Sypossible Africa.

(Translated from French)