Àma Gloria (12A)

★★★★ A gorgeous domestic drama on the meaning of parenthood. ~ Little White Lies.

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Celebrated as one of the major discoveries of the Cannes Film Festival, writer/director Marie Amachoukeli’s remarkable 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 it is unexpectedly placed in jeopardy.

Paris, present day. Vivacious, personable young Cléo (extraordinary newcomer Louise Mauroy-Panzani) lives with her widowed father (Arnaud Rebotini), but has mostly been raised by her beloved Cape Verdean carer, Gloria (Ilça Moreno Zego), in whose comforting arms she finds refuge and emotional stability.

So when Gloria’s mother passes away – a life-changing blow for both of them – Gloria must return to her homeland to care for her own children.

To ease the anguish of the impending separation, 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 Celine Sciamma’s 'Petite Maman' and 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire', ÀMA GLORIA exquisitely captures themes of family, separation and the ties that bind people together from the point of view of its capricious young protagonist.

A natural in front of the camera, 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.

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★★★★ One of the year’s most hypnotic performances nestles inside this seemingly modest French-language coming-of-age drama. ~ The Observer.

★★★★ Six year old Louise Mauroy-Panzani is wonderful in this sensitive drama about a kid and her nanny. ~ The Guardian.