Hafsia Herzi Brings Live-Wire Spirit to Cannes Competition Title ‘The Little Sister’: ‘I’d Always Dreamed of Doing Something Fast, a Bit Thrown Together.’

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Hafsia Herzi gained widespread recognition in 2007 with her role in “The Secret of the Grain,” propelling her from an unknown actress to a prominent figure in French cinema. More than ten years later, she reinvented her artistic journey by self-producing and directing her debut film, “You Deserve a Lover,” which premiered during Critics’ Week in 2019.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve been absolutely thrilled to see my career trajectory soaring recently. Just last night, I held the coveted César for Best Actress in my hands, thanks to my gripping performance in “Borgo,” a crime thriller that has left audiences spellbound. Now, I find myself standing on the precipice of another major milestone as I prepare to compete for the prestigious Palme d’Or with my latest directorial project, “The Little Sister.” This new venture brings back many familiar faces from my humble debut days – a tight-knit crew who were also an integral part of my work on “Good Mother,” which graced the screens in Un Certain Regard in 2021.

Herzi expressed that she was fed up with the waiting, as her desire to dive into directing had been longstanding. She yearned for something swift and haphazardly put together. One day, impulsively, she declared, ‘Let’s do it.’ In the worst-case scenario, she would have a movie. She felt she had nothing to lose; it was just filmmaking.

In “The Little Sister,” the director infused the movie with the same energetic, dynamic approach. This film is a poignant drama that explores the journey of a young Franco-Algerian character, who’s struggling to reconcile her Queer identity with strong religious beliefs.

Herzi admits she’s constantly seeking authenticity. On set, she considers herself as the first audience member, experiencing the story as it unfolds genuinely in real-time. She aims to stay aware yet detached, close enough to sense it but distant enough not to interfere. If a scene stirs an emotional response from her – be it laughter or tears – she knows it’s effective. If it doesn’t, she’s quick to revise and try another approach.

As a passionate cinephile, I found myself standing before the lens at first due to a sense of urgency, recognizing my name might serve as a beacon for my first film. However, ever since then, I’ve chosen to stay behind the scenes – and I see no reason to change that.

She expresses her deep passion for capturing others on camera, stating that she thrives on being near people and their expressions. She finds fascination in the intricacies of faces, skin, and emotions, drawing inspiration from portrait painting. To maintain this intimacy, she prefers minimal makeup and a straightforward approach, allowing her to perceive the subtleties of breath and heartbeat. She aspires to share the emotion with those she films, emphasizing that if she’s not close enough or the framing isn’t perfect, she misses out on the essence. In her view, faces hold a profound beauty, making it essential to take time to truly appreciate them.

Going forward, Herzi remains committed to that approach.

As a film critic, I find it essential to illuminate the stories of individuals often overlooked in cinema. Rarely have I encountered a boldly queer North African character portrayed on-screen, despite my personal acquaintance with numerous women who embody this very spirit. It was imperative for me to narrate her untold story.

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2025-05-16 05:46