What are the titles of the feature films selected for ACID’s 2025 lineup? Who are the directors of the documentaries included in this selection? What unique qualities do the selected films bring to storytelling according to ACID’s general delegate Pauline Ginot? How does ACID contribute to promoting independent filmmakers at Cannes? What are some themes explored in the documentaries presented, particularly regarding war and personal loss? What significance does the debut film by Lauri-Matti Parppei hold in this year’s selection? How do ACID’s selected films challenge traditional cinematic narratives?
ACID, a Cannes Film Festival parallel section, has announced its 2025 selection consisting of nine feature films. That includes “L’aventura” by Sophie Letourneur, Aurélien Vernhes-Lermusiaux’s “The Black Snake,” “Drifting Laurent” directed by Anton Balekdjian, Léo Couture and Mattéo Eustachon, Lucio Castro’s “Drunken Noodles,” Pedro Cabeleira’s “Entroncamento” and “A Light That Never Goes Out” by debuting director Lauri-Matti Parppei. Three documentaries were chosen as well, starting with Sylvain George’s “Obscure Night – Ain’t I a Child?” and followed by Sepideh Farsi’s “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” and Namir Abdel Messeeh’s “La Vie Après Siham.”
“I’m pretty much sure that after watching these films you won’t say: ‘I have already seen it.’ Instead, you will say: ‘What just happened?’ Before meeting you, I talked to someone and they kept asking me: ‘What’s the main theme?’ Telling stories in a different way – that’s our only theme,” underlined Pauline Ginot, ACID’s general delegate.
“I think it’s quite precious for filmmakers to have a place like that in Cannes. That’s important for us, to be the springboard for independent film. These films are watched by other filmmakers. It’s just different.”
ACID is an association of film directors. This year’s programming committee consisted of 14 filmmakers: Romain André, Camila Beltran, Sonia Ben Slama, Bernard Cerf, Lana Cheramy, Mona Convert, Jan Gassman, Pascale Hannoyer, Julien Meunier, Nicolas Peduzzi, Benoit Sabatier, Idir Serghine, Clara Teper and Pamela Varela.
“They are really involved in watching films from their peers. This program is totally influenced by the filmmakers’ desire to tell stories in a different way, to avoid being confined to what we already know and have already seen,” added Ginot.
“These [selected] directors never try to ‘make a point.’ Instead, there’s a strong belief in tools offered by cinema, but also a lot of humor and playfulness. They are happy making films and sharing them with others.”
ACID is eager to discover new voices, such as first-timer Lauri-Matti Parppei from Finland. “It’s a feel-good movie about depression. It’s so joyful to allow people to discover new filmmakers. We’re very, very lucky to be able to do that. There’s nothing more fun than telling the world: ‘Hey, here’s a newcomer who’s made a great film.’”
There’s space for more known filmmakers too, such as “The Siren’s” Sepideh Farsi, now delivering a co-production with Palestine with “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk.” “There’s always this question: How do we screen a film about war at Cannes, with all these parties going on and people drinking champagne? Two years ago, we faced the same dilemma with ‘In the Rearview’ about Ukraine. How do you bring war to Cannes?” wondered Ginot.
“Also, this film is not just about Palestine. It’s about a meeting between two women from the Arab world: one is Iranian, the other is Palestinian. It’s about our own incapacity and about what you can – or can’t – say to someone in the midst of war. The main protagonist is still in Gaza.”
Sophie Letourneur is set to return with her fifth film, starring Paris Olympics’ breakout Philippe Katerine, whose performance as a “blue man” at the opening ceremony caused massive controversy. “It’s a film about chaos. It’s not a coincidence that Philippe is in it. He’s already created a different kind of chaos,” smiled Ginot. “Instead of just telling a story, and that’s true for all these films, she’s trying to invent a new form for recounting everyday moments. That’s what we’re looking for. We’re looking for films that are not just scripts in motion.”
“Drifting Laurent” also promises surprising twists and turns, despite dealing with “very contemporary themes” as its protagonist looks for the meaning of life in a deserted ski resort. “It’s impossible to know where it’s taking us,” said Ginot, also describing “Drunken Noodles,” by Lucio Castro as a “fairy tale for adults” and a “choreographic stroll between Pierre Creton’s ‘A Prince’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’. With a touch of the fantastic.”
That being said, documentaries also deserve their dues, argued Ginot. “In France, it’s quite difficult to show them in theaters. I really want to screen documentaries and animated features, not just fiction. It’s all about trying to do something that has never been done before. Also, we just love films. This is the greatest job in the world. We’re lucky we get to do it.”
“L’aventura” is a fiction film directed by Sophie Letourneur, which tells the story of a family road trip in Sardinia, Italy, narrated by Claudine, an almost 11-year-old girl. “The Black Snake” is a co-production set in the Colombian Tatacoa desert, where the protagonist confronts his past. “Drifting Laurent” follows a 29-year-old man searching for meaning in life, while “Drunken Noodles” explores artistic encounters in New York City. “Entroncamento” looks at a young woman’s struggle to rebuild her life amidst the allure of crime, and “A Light That Never Goes Out” tells the story of a flutist reconnecting with his roots through music.
In terms of documentaries, “Life After Siham” follows a man’s exploration of his family’s history after the loss of his mother, “Obscure Night – Ain’t I a Child?” depicts young exiles in Paris, and “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” captures connections made through art amid the backdrop of war in Palestine.
ACID, Cannes Parallel Section, Announces Selection: A Celebration of Independent Cinema
The Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world, has always aimed to highlight the diversity and richness of global cinema. Among its various sections is the ACID (Association for Independent Cinema and its Distribution), a parallel section that has gained a reputation for championing independent filmmakers and promoting their works to a wider audience. This year, ACID has announced its selection of films that will be showcased during the festival, promising to deliver a thought-provoking array of storytelling that reflects the diverse cultural perspectives and artistic expressions within independent cinema.
Established in 1993, ACID was formed by a group of independent filmmakers driven by a common goal: to advocate for cinema that is often overshadowed by mainstream productions. The organization was created to provide a platform for authors and their unique visions, nurturing creativity in a world that often prioritizes commercial viability over artistic integrity. The ACID section at Cannes emphasizes the importance of independent cinema as a vital part of the film ecosystem, offering filmmakers a space to present their stories and create connections with an international audience.
This year’s selection has ignited excitement among cinephiles and industry professionals alike. ACID’s curated lineup often features a mix of both established and emerging filmmakers, each bringing their distinctive narratives and styles to the forefront. The films selected for ACID tend to challenge conventional storytelling methods and delve into complex themes, providing viewers with an immersive experience that encourages reflection and discussion.
Among the films selected for this year’s ACID program are a range of genres and styles, from intimate character studies to bold experimental works. Each selection reflects the contemporary issues and societal questions of our time, exploring themes like identity, migration, gender, climate change, and the human condition. The festival serves as a testament to the ability of cinema to inspire, provoke, and entertain audiences, often presenting narratives that elicit emotional responses and foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
Highlighting the importance of supporting independent filmmakers, ACID also offers various initiatives to promote its selected films. This includes facilitating screenings, organizing panel discussions, and providing networking opportunities for filmmakers and distributors. These initiatives aim not only to amplify the visibility of independent cinema but also to encourage dialogue within the industry, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among filmmakers.
One of the standout aspects of ACID’s mission is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The festival actively seeks to elevate underrepresented voices within the film industry, championing stories from marginalized communities. By giving a platform to filmmakers who may not have access to mainstream distribution, ACID plays a crucial role in redressing the balance within the cinematic landscape and ensuring that a broader range of perspectives are heard.
Besides showcasing innovative films, ACID promotes a sense of belonging among independent filmmakers and their audiences. The festival creates an atmosphere of encouragement, where the passion and creativity of filmmakers shine through in their work. This environment fosters collaboration and inspires new ideas, contributing to the evolution of cinema as an art form.
The significance of ACID’s impact extends beyond the festival itself. The selection of films often leads to broader distribution opportunities, enabling independent works to reach a larger audience. Following the festival, many of the selected films find their way to theaters and streaming platforms worldwide, ensuring that the creative visions of these filmmakers continue to resonate long after the final credits roll in Cannes.
As the film industry evolves, so does the mission of ACID. With the rise of digital platforms and changing viewing habits, the organization is at the forefront of adapting to these shifts while still holding true to its original ideals. The emergence of new technologies offers exciting opportunities for independent filmmakers to share their stories, and ACID is committed to helping them navigate these changes effectively.
In conclusion, the announcement of ACID’s film selections at the Cannes Film Festival serves as a celebration of independent cinema and the vital role it plays within the broader film ecosystem. By promoting diverse narratives and fostering an inclusive community of filmmakers, ACID is not only championing artistic freedom but also enriching the cinematic landscape with fresh perspectives. As the festival unfolds, film lovers and industry professionals alike are eagerly anticipating the stories that will emerge from this year’s selection, each contributing their unique voice to the ongoing dialogue around cinema, culture, and society. For those passionate about film, ACID remains a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of independent cinema and its ability to inspire change.
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