Reel Lives | Paris, 13th DistrictReel Lives | Paris, 13th District

Set in the French capital’s 13th arrondissement, where a predominantly East Asian community resides, Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone) directs with a script from Céline Sciamma (Petite Maman, Girlhood) and Léa Mysius (Ismael’s Ghosts, Stars at Noon) in this passionate romance which charts the interwoven relationships between four twenty-somethings, played by Lucie Zhang, Makita Samba, Jehnny Beth and Noémie Merlant (Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Tár) Paris, 13th District is a modern story of love and life, reflecting the shifting attitudes towards identity and fidelity.

Winner of Best Soundtrack (Rone), nominee for Palme D’or and Queer Palm at 2021 Cannes Film Festival

“The movie has pace and lustre to spare, and the actors are richly invested in their characters, not hesitating to make them crabby and selfish, when need be, as well as sympathetic. The standout is Merlant, who starred in [Portrait of a Lady on Fire] and who stands on the brink of great things.” — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker.

2021. France. Director: Jacques Audiard. Cast: Lucie Zhang, Makita Samba, Noémie Merlant. Duration: 1hr 45mins. Cert: 18.