A Season in France 2018
Directed by
Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Made by
Ad Vitam Distribution
Plot Summary
The film takes place in 2016 and follows the journey of Abbas Mahadjir, a French teacher from the Central African Republic. Together with his family, including his brother, he narrowly escaped the brutal civil wars ravaging his homeland. The haunting memory of his wife, who tragically lost her life during their perilous flight, continues to overshadow him. Now residing in the suburbs of Paris, he strives to provide for his two young children, Asma and Yacine (Aalayna Lys and Ibrahim Burama Darboe), as they navigate their new lives in a foreign land and go to school.
To support his family, Abbas works at a bustling fruit and flower market, but his life remains unstable as he bounces between borrowed and rented living spaces. In the midst of this chaos, he encounters Carole (Sandrine Bonnaire), a talented florist of Polish descent, and begins to form a poignant relationship with her.
However, their hopes for a stable future come crashing down when Abbas’s asylum application is denied by the OFPRA (Office français de protection des réfugiés et apatrides). Undeterred, he decides to appeal the decision, but when that, too, is rejected, he faces an ‘obligation to leave’ notice with merely 30 days to vacate. Suddenly jobless and without a permanent home, Abbas and his children find refuge with Carole as their situation grows increasingly dire. Tragedy strikes again when Abbas’s brother, a former philosophy lecturer, faces a similar fate with his own asylum request. In despair, he self-immolates in the immigration office, ultimately succumbing to his injuries.
As the 30-day deadline approaches, Abbas finds himself engulfed in unbearable distress. Despite having the option to file one last appeal with the administrative tribunal’s chairman, he instead chooses to flee, prioritizing his children’s safety. The situation escalates when the police summon Carole to their station, warning her of the consequences that accompany her support for Abbas and his family. In a desperate bid for freedom, Abbas disappears with his children, leaving no trace. Carole, heartbroken, searches for any sign of them in the Calais Jungle migrant camp, but her efforts are in vain as the camp has been cleared just hours before her arrival.
Timeline
Civil War Escape
In 2016, Abbas Mahadjir, a French teacher from the Central African Republic, narrowly escapes the brutal civil wars tearing his homeland apart. Along with his family, he embarks on a dangerous journey to save their lives, haunted by the memories of his wife's tragic death during their flight.
New Life in Paris
Abbas and his children, Asma and Yacine, settle in the suburbs of Paris, where they attempt to adapt to their new life. Amidst cultural challenges, Abbas strives to support his family, creating a fragile life filled with both hope and uncertainty.
Working at the Market
To provide for his family, Abbas takes a job at a bustling fruit and flower market. However, the instability of his living situation, as he constantly moves between borrowed and rented homes, adds to the challenges he faces.
Meeting Carole
While working at the market, Abbas meets Carole, a talented florist of Polish descent. Their relationship blossoms amidst the chaos of Abbas's life, as they both seek connection and solace in each other's company.
Asylum Application Denial
Abbas's hopes for a stable future are shattered when his asylum application is denied by the OFPRA. This rejection forces him to face the grim reality of being unable to provide legal protection for himself and his children.
Facing Obligation to Leave
Following the appeal rejection, Abbas receives an 'obligation to leave' notice, giving him only 30 days to vacate. With no job and no permanent home, the weight of his situation becomes increasingly unbearable for him and his children.
Finding Refuge with Carole
As their situation deteriorates, Abbas and his children find refuge with Carole, who offers them temporary shelter. This act of kindness highlights the bond that has developed between them but also complicates Carole's life significantly.
Brother's Tragic Fate
Abbas's brother, a former philosophy lecturer, faces a similar fate with his asylum request. In a heartfelt but desperate act, he self-immolates at the immigration office, which adds to the despair that Abbas feels as he witnesses yet another tragedy.
Escalating Distress
As the 30-day deadline approaches, Abbas becomes engulfed in unbearable distress over the future of his children. Despite having one last chance to file an appeal, he feels compelled to prioritize their safety above all else.
Fleeing Paris
In a desperate bid for freedom and safety, Abbas chooses to flee with his children, abandoning the hope of legal recourse. As they disappear without a trace, the fear of deportation looms heavily over them.
Police Warning
The situation escalates when the police summon Carole and warn her about the dangers of aiding Abbas and his family. This news adds a layer of dread to Carole's efforts to help them, prompting her to realize the serious implications of their precarious situation.
Searching for Abbas
Heartbroken by Abbas's disappearance, Carole begins a desperate search for him and his children. She heads to the Calais Jungle migrant camp, hoping to find some trace of them, only to discover that the camp has been cleared just hours before her arrival.
Characters
Abbas Mahadjir
Abbas is a determined father fleeing the violence of Central African Republic, facing the harrowing challenges of adapting to life in France while caring for his children. He embodies resilience as he navigates the complexities of immigration while grappling with the pain of his past. His character showcases the emotional toll of loss and the fierce protection of family.
Carole
Carole is a talented florist who becomes a lifeline for Abbas and his children. Her warm-hearted nature contrasts the bleak circumstances surrounding them, as she offers sanctuary and support despite the risks involved. Through her character, the film emphasizes themes of empathy and the struggles of those who extend their compassion to others in need.
Asma Mahadjir
Asma is one of Abbas's young children, navigating the complexities of being a refugee while trying to maintain her childhood innocence. Her character represents the hopes and dreams of the next generation amidst adversity. She illustrates the emotional turmoil children face when uprooted from their homes.
Yacine Mahadjir
Yacine, Abbas's other child, also experiences the tumult of their family's struggles. His character captures the confusion and resilience often found in children of immigrants. He represents the generational impact of trauma and the strength of family bonds.
Setting
Time period
2016
The film is set in 2016, a time when refugee crises surged globally, with many seeking safety from conflicts. This period saw heightened tensions and debates around immigration policies in Europe, impacting countless lives. Abbas's story unfolds against this complex backdrop of hope, fear, and resilience.
Location
suburbs of Paris, Calais Jungle
The suburbs of Paris serve as a backdrop to Abbas's struggles, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants in urban settings. Known for its diverse population, it provides both hope and difficulties in adapting to a new culture. The Calais Jungle, a makeshift camp, symbolizes the harsh realities of migration, filled with people seeking refuge but living under dire conditions.
Themes
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates the film as Abbas grapples with the tragic death of his wife and the memories that haunt him. This emotional weight influences his relationship with his children and drives his determination to create a better life despite overwhelming odds. The film poignantly explores how personal and collective grief shapes the immigrant experience.
⚖️
Justice
Justice is a central theme as Abbas fights against the bureaucratic systems that threaten his family's safety. His struggle to obtain asylum and the subsequent denials highlight the injustices faced by refugees. The film aims to shed light on the often-overlooked plight of those seeking protection and their relentless pursuit of dignity.
❤️
Connection
Connection emerges through the bond between Abbas and Carole, illustrating how human relationships can provide solace amid turmoil. Their relationship is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding in bridging cultural divides. As both characters navigate their respective struggles, their connection offers a glimpse of hope in an uncertain world.
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