Cannes Directors’ Fortnight Unveils 2025 Lineup, Including Christian Petzold’s ‘Miroirs n.3,’ Eva Victor’s ‘Sorry, Baby,’ Robin Campillo’s ‘Enzo’

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The independent film selection known as Directors’ Fortnight, held in parallel with the Cannes Film Festival, has revealed an assorted program for its 57th installment. This year’s event will feature Christian Petzold’s “Miroirs n.3,” Eva Victor’s “Sorry, Baby,” Robin Campillo’s “Enzo,” and Lloyd Lee Choi’s “Lucky Lu.

As your friendly neighborhood movie reviewer, I’m excited to share my thoughts on “Enzo,” a captivating film that kicks off Directors’ Fortnight under the curation of Julien Rejl. This moving piece was directed by none other than Robin Campillo, who bravely took the helm after his longtime friend and collaborator, Laurent Cantet, tragically passed away in April. The film is a powerful testament to their shared vision and creativity.

Titled “Anatomy of a Fall,” directed by Marie-Ange Luciani at Les Films de Pierre, the movie “Enzo” unfolds in Marseille and chronicles the story of an aspiring mason apprentice named Enzo. He forges a friendship with a Ukrainian coworker who introduces him to fresh possibilities. The film features new talents Eloy Pohu and Maksym Slivinskyi, along with Élodie Bouchez and Pierfrancesco Favino.

Apologies, Darling,” the movie that will wrap up Directors’ Fortnight, was one of the most talked-about films to debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. This production is by Barry Jenkins, the director behind “Moonlight.” “Apologies, Darling” was acquired by A24 for global distribution rights. The film is both written and directed by Victor, who also stars in it. It centers around a college professor dealing with recovery from sexual assault. The moving drama features Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges.

In “Miroirs n. 3,” the German filmmaker, Petzold, teams up for the fourth time with Paul Beer, who plays an ambitious pianist whose world is turned upside down following a fatal car accident that claims the life of her boyfriend instantly. Notably, Petzold’s previous work, “Afire,” was awarded Berlin’s Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize in 2023 and was also shortlisted as Germany’s representative for the Oscars.

Lloyd Lee Choi’s film “Lucky Lu,” inspired by his own life and short film “Same Old,” narrates the tale of a Chinese delivery man in New York City who finds out that his e-bike has been stolen. With his family reuniting after years, Lu struggles to gain acceptance from the community as he frantically searches for a replacement for the only means keeping his family financially stable. The film was shot on location in New York with Taiwanese actor Chang Chen, known for his role in “Dune.

In the Directors’ Fortnight lineup, another film titled “Dangerous Animals” by Sean Byrne, who directed “The Devil’s Candy,” is also featured. This thrilling serial-killer movie centers around sharks and stars Jai Courtney from “Suicide Squad,” Hassie Harrison known for her role in “Yellowstone,” and Josh Heuston from “Dune: Prophecy.” The story revolves around Zephyr, portrayed by Harrison, a defiant surfer who is kidnapped by a shark-fixated serial killer, played by Courtney. “Dangerous Animals” has been acquired by IFC Films and Shudder, the streaming service of AMC Networks.

In other parts of the lineup, Iraqi director Hasan Hadi (based in New York) will showcase his first full-length film titled “The President’s Cake.” This movie revolves around a 9-year-old girl who is compelled to bake a cake for Saddam Hussein’s birthday. Notably, his previous short film, “Swimsuit,” earned an award that qualifies for the Oscars and was acquired by HBO Max.

In addition to the film “Enzo,” other French productions will be featured, such as the comedy “Middle Class” directed by Anthony Cordier, featuring renowned French actors like Laurent Lafitte (“Elle”), Elodie Bouchez (“Beating Hearts”) and Laure Calamy (“Call My Agent!”). Also included is the detective thriller “Indomptables,” set in Cameroon, directed by Thomas Ngijol.

Here’s the lineup of feature films:

“Enzo,” Laurent Cantet, Robin Campillo (Opening film)

“Amour Apocalypse,” Anne Émond

“Brand New Landscape,” Yuiga Danzuka

“Classe moyenne” (‘Middle Class’), Anthony Cordier

“Dangerous Animals,” Sean Byrne

“The Foxes Round,” Valéry Carnoy (belgian movie starring samuel kircher)

“The Girl in the Snow,” Louise Hémon

“The Girls We Want,” Prïncia Car

“Girl on Edge,” Jinghao Zhou

“Indomptables,” Thomas Ngijol

“Kokuho,” Lee Sang-il

“Lucky Lu,” Lloyd Lee Choi

“Militantropos,” Yelizaveta Smith, Alina Gorlova, Simon Mozgovyi

“Miroirs n. 3,” Christian Petzold

“La mort n’existe pas,” Félix Dufour-Laperrière

“The President’s Cake,” Hasan Hadi

“Que ma volonté soit faite,” Julia Kowalski

“Sorry Baby,” Eva Victor (closing film)

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2025-04-15 12:47