With Zion, director Nelson Foix has created an action thriller rooted in the realities of working-class neighborhoods in Guadeloupe. The film follows Chris, a young man torn between drug dealing, street racing, and short-lived adventures. When a local kingpin, Odell, entrusts him with a risky mission, Chris accepts despite warnings from those around him. But on the day of delivery, an unexpected event turns his life upside down: a baby is left on his doorstep. The film will be broadcast on Canal+ on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 9:02 p.m.
Between tense chases, settling of scores, and moral dilemmas, Zion stands out as an intense and visually striking film, driven by raw energy and a setting rarely explored in French cinema.
The Zion project was born out of the short film Timoun Aw ("Your Kid" in Guadeloupean Creole), also directed by Nelson Foix. This film caught the attention of Mohamed Hamidi, who introduced the director to Jamel Debbouze. The latter chose to produce his first feature film, bringing together a team of professionals from mainland France and local talent.
The cast is made up of actors discovered during an open casting call in Guadeloupe. Sloan Decombes, who plays the lead role, was spotted by chance, while Zebrist, who plays Odell, had just been released from prison. Their naturalness and sincerity give the film a rare authenticity and strong emotional intensity.
The action scenes were carefully prepared to ensure realism and optimal safety. Nelson Foix adapted the choreography to the topography of the locations, favoring immersive shots and fluid staging.
Filmed largely in Creole, Zion takes a faithful approach to Guadeloupean culture. This linguistic choice, supported by producers and broadcasters, gives the film a strong sense of identity and a realistic feel.
The soundtrack, composed by Brice Davoli, blends modern influences with Caribbean rhythms. It features artists such as Kalash, Don Snoop, and Keros-N, whose tracks accompany key moments in the film. Kalash also performs the title song, Zion.
The film incorporates a spiritual touch inspired by Caribbean beliefs. The iguana, which appears at the beginning and end of the film, embodies this mystical aspect and symbolizes the boundary between the visible and the invisible. This motif highlights the duality of a world where the real rubs shoulders with the supernatural.
Guadeloupe appears here far removed from its tourist image. Nelson Foix shows the contrasts between disadvantaged neighborhoods and the luxury of cruise ships, a visual opposition that runs throughout the story and reinforces its social significance.
Zion
Film | 2025
On Canal+ on November 15, 2025, at 9:02 p.m.
Action, Thriller | Running time: 1 hour 39 minutes
By Nelson Foix | Starring Sloan Decombes, Philippe Calodat, Zebrist
Nationality: France
With masterful direction, a unique setting, and a hero faced with crucial choices, Zion stands out as an intense action film rooted in Caribbean culture. Aimed at fans of realistic thrillers, it shines a light on Guadeloupean youth through a tense and deeply human story.
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