Top 200 Most Anticipated Foreign Films of 2023: #178. Mehdi Fikri’s Avant que les flammes ne s’éteignent

Avant que les flammes ne s’éteignent

Production took place on Mehdi Fikri‘s directorial debut this past October in Strasbourg, France. A former journalist for L’Humanité, we imagine that Fikri will add several layers of complexity to this oeuvre which is titled Avant que les flammes ne s’éteignent and which translates into… Before the Flames Go Out and formerly went by the title of Et maintenant, le feu. Featuring Camélia Jordana (who toplined Emmanuel Mouret’s Les choses qu’on dit, les choses qu’on fait) and supporting players Sofiane Zermani (Fianso), Sofian Khammes, Sonia Faidi, Samir Guesmi and Makita Samba (from Audiard’s Paris, 13th District), this centers on the aftermath of the crime and will follow the victim’s sister as she embarks on a battle to obtain a fair trial for her late brother, as well as raise media attention around the case. We’re getting some Ladj Ly vibes here. Michael Gentile produced the film.

Gist: This explores the divisions within the victim’s family and the obstacles this young woman on her quest for justice

Release Date/Prediction: Locarno could be swirling around this title, and a Venice sidebar such as Settimana Internazionale della Critica might take a look.