Cannes Gives Warm Welcome to Dardennes and ‘Young Mother’s Home’

by

On the Croisette, it’s become routine to see, Belgian directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne gracefully walking up the crimson carpet, greeting a warm audience as they unveil their latest cinematic work.

In a premiere that took place on an early Friday night, the new film by the Dardennes, titled “The Young Mother’s Home“, made its debut, marking their ninth time competing in Cannes. The Dardennes rarely go home from Cannes without any awards.

On an early Friday evening, the latest film by the Dardennes, “The Young Mother’s Home“, premiered, making it their ninth entry in the Cannes competition. The brothers seldom leave Cannes without taking something home with them.

In a relaxed yet formal attire (with suits and no ties, as the afternoon screenings don’t require formal black-tie), the Dardennes walked to the premiere, accompanied by their noticeably more enthusiastic (and elegantly dressed) young co-stars: Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan, and Samia Hilmi.

OR

At the premiere, the Dardennes arrived in a casual but formal style (without ties as the afternoon screenings don’t demand formal black-tie), accompanied by their visibly more excited (and better dressed) young co-stars: Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan, and Samia Hilmi.

OR

For the premiere, the Dardennes opted for a casual yet sophisticated look (as the afternoon screenings do not necessitate formal black-tie attire), while their young co-stars, who were more animated and stylishly dressed, followed closely: Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan, and Samia Hilmi.

A swell of heartfelt, joyful clapping swept through the theater as the movie credits unfurled, and the Dardennes hugged their fellow actors. The young actresses fought back tears. Laruelle, portraying Perla in the film, appeared deeply moved before joining her co-stars for a group embrace. The film, while maintaining the gritty authenticity the Dardenne brothers are recognized for, displayed an unexpected warmth and optimism – qualities that brought smiles to the faces of the Cannes audience as they departed.

French director Luc Besson and Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont (Closer) were also at the premiere.

The Dardennes have won the Palme d’Or twice, specifically for “Rosetta” (1999) and “L’Enfant” (2005). Their collection of festival awards also includes best director awards for “Young Ahmed” (2019), the Grand Jury Prize for “The Kid With a Bike” (2011), best screenplay for “Lorna’s Silence” (2008), and a special prize commemorating Cannes’ 75th anniversary for “Tori and Lokita”, which they received in 2022.

Titled “The Young Mother’s Home“, this work of Belgian social realism by Dardennes is nestled in a shelter for young mothers. The narrative unfolds around five protagonists – Jessica, Perla, Julie, Naïma, and Ariane – as they maneuver the trials of early parenthood while aspiring for a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their offspring. The talented cast includes Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan, and Samia Hilmi, with India Hair delivering an impactful performance in a significant supporting role.

Read More

2025-05-23 19:54