My Brother is a French coming-of-age dramedy directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Led by performances from Fanta Kebe, Shirel Nataf, and Amel Bent, the film premiered as part of the Cannes First Screenings during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It hits theaters across France on January 7, 2026. This marks the directors' second feature film following their 2022 debut, The Worst.
Shaï and Djeneba are both 20 years old and have known each other since childhood. Hailing from Place des Fêtes in Paris, they are animated by a summer camp where they work as activity leaders, guiding a group of children through the Drôme. Away from their usual neighborhood, this summer promises to be a turning point—marking the start of new responsibilities and important life decisions.
Over the weeks, their friendship is tested by the personal choices that they must confront. On the cusp of adulthood, each must consider her future, redefine her identity, and come to terms with the possibility that their paths may start to diverge. The film thoughtfully examines themes of growing up, social determinism, and gradual emancipation.
Filmed during the summer of 2024 across Paris and the Diois region in the Drôme, Ma Frère features a naturalistic style, emphasizing immersion and working with non-professional or lesser-known actors. True to their approach, directors Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret conducted extensive on-location research, integrating their lead actresses into after-school programs before leading them to a real summer camp setting.
The film required a large cast, with nearly 1,500 children auditioned, and involved a specialized filming setup that recreated a colony right on location. This method resulted in over 150 hours of raw footage, reflecting a filmmaking process rooted in observation and guided improvisation.
My Brother also marks the big-screen debut of Amel Bent, who was previously known for her television roles. The film was showcased at numerous international festivals following Cannes, including Hamburg and the American French Film Festival, highlighting the buzz surrounding this summer drama.
With its sensitive tone and focus on human connections, the film targets viewers interested in coming-of-age stories and contemporary youth portraits. It continues the filmmakers' tradition of social cinema, while expanding their perspective to include themes of community and the passing of knowledge.
My Brother
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: January 7, 2026
Drama comedy | Duration: 1h52
Directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret | Starring Fanta Kebe, Shirel Nataf, Amel Bent
Original title: Ma Frère
Country: France
In their second feature film, Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret continue to explore a cinematic approach focused on youth, collective experience, and self-discovery, all within a realistic setting deeply rooted in immersive documentary storytelling.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the January movie releases, discover the must-see films of the moment, and explore our selection of dramatic comedies from this year.
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