FFF24: Àma Gloria

Synopsis

Celebrated as one of the major discoveries of the Cannes Film Festival, Marie Amachoukeli’s delightful Àma Gloria is a vibrant drama that explores the precious bond between a six-year-old French girl and her nanny, and what happens when the relationship is unexpectedly placed in jeopardy.

Paris, present day. Vivacious, personable young Cléo (extraordinary newcomer Louise Mauroy-Panzani) lives with her widowed father but has mostly been raised by her beloved Cape Verdean carer, Gloria (Ilça Moreno Zego), in whose arms she finds refuge and stability. So, when Gloria’s mother passes away – a life-changing blow for them both – Gloria must return to her homeland to care for her own children. Gloria invites Cléo to her island community to spend one last summer together… there, the young girl will discover an entirely different culture and a new family and must learn to understand that the world does not revolve around her.

From the producers of Petite Maman and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Àma Gloria exquisitely captures themes of family and human connection; in her astonishing screen debut, young Mauroy-Panzani conveys every element of joy, sadness, bravery and regret that Cléo experiences as she confronts seismic change. Her beguiling performance is this deeply moving film's beating heart.

Awards

OPENING NIGHT SELECTION (CRITIC’S WEEK) – 2023 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

WINNER – 2023 JERUSALEM FILM FESTIVAL – Best International Film Prize