Synopsis

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As mayor of a town in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, Clémence, along with Yazid, her chief of staff, wages a fierce battle to save the Bernardins neighborhood from squalor and exploitative slum lords. Poised to be her final campaign before the upcoming election where she plans to pass on leadership, Clémence's resolve is tested when an offer to become a minister tempts her, casting doubt on her plans. Faced with the pinnacle of her career, can Clémence leave behind her city, her community, and the promises she's made?

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Technical Sheet

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Genre: Political Drama

Directed by: Thomas Kruithof

Written by: Thomas Kruithof and Jean-Baptiste Delafon

Starring: Isabelle Huppert, Reda Kateb, and Naidra Ayadi

Producers: Thibault Gast and Matthias Weber (24 25 Films)

Co-producers: Wild Bunch Distribution and France 2 Cinéma

With the participation of: France Télévisions, Canal +, and Ciné +

In association with: Indéfilms 9

With the support of: Île-de-France Region

Distribution: Wild Bunch Distribution

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Release Date: January 26, 2022

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Selections

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Venice International Film Festival (Orizzonti)

CINEMANIA Francophone Film Festival (Official Selection)

Francia está en pantalla Spain (Official Selection)

French Film Festival in Israel (Official Selection)

French Film Festival in Japan (Official Selection)

IFI French Film Festival, Dublin (Official Selection)

Istanbul International Film Festival (Young masters)

Cairo International Film Festival (International Panorama)

International Film Festival of India (World Panorama)

Warsaw Film Festival

French Film Festival UK

Taipei Film Festival

Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival

Bordeaux International Independent Film Festival

Muret International Film Festival

Ostend Film Festival

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Press Reviews

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"The unfolding action is thrilling with its municipal meetings, work appointments, asides, secrets, revelations, lies, and self-reflection, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Until a final suspense whose outcome is revealed at the last moment. These promises are multiple. To the inhabitants of the housing project, to the municipality, to the party, and above all to oneself. Thomas Kruithof manages to solve the equation in a film where ambition intersects with the sincerity of the message and treatment. Gripping."

France Info - 01/23/2022

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"With its effective direction and its two flawless lead actors (Isabelle Huppert and Reda Kateb), Thomas Kruithof's film, fundamentally original, immerses the viewer in its rich universe and proves that French cinema is sometimes very inspired when it challenges its timidity in the realm of political films."

Les Échos - 01/25/2022

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"Les Promesses avoids the Manicheism of 'all corrupt' to portray complex characters often forced to choose between their ideals and ambitions. It happens that, on a misunderstanding, the constituents come out winners. Spectators will surely be winners after seeing this thrilling film."

20 Minutes - 01/26/2022