Overview

• Hafsia Herzi’s third feature film, 'La Petite Dernière,' marks her debut in Cannes’s main competition, following her acclaimed works 'Tu mérites un amour' (2019) and 'Bonne Mère' (2021).
• Adapted from Fatima Daas’s 2020 autofictional novel, the film portrays the journey of a young Muslim lesbian navigating faith, sexuality, and self-discovery in suburban France.
• Nadia Melliti, a non-professional actress, delivers a breakout performance as the protagonist, earning widespread praise for her emotional authenticity.
• Herzi’s naturalistic direction, reminiscent of Abdellatif Kechiche, captures intimate moments with sensitivity, drawing tearful reactions from festival audiences.
• The film’s selection highlights ongoing gender parity challenges at Cannes, with only seven women directors among the 22 competing for the Palme d’Or in 2025.