Damien Samedi is a hard-working man, a loving son and a caring boyfriend. He’s also been struggling with a drug addiction most of his adult life, counting on his mother’s matter-of-fact, yet unwavering support. Mixing unexpected moments of humour, insight and compassion, their tender mother-son relationship is at the heart of his challenging journey.
At once an intimate character study and a much-needed humane counter to the shockingly one-sided, fear-mongering depictions of addiction prevalent in today’s media, “Petit Samedi” is the universally relatable, life-affirming portrait of a man facing his demons.
2020 – Belgium – French – Documentary
Directed by: Paloma Sermon-Daï
Written by: Paloma Sermon-Daï
Cinematography: Frédéric Noirhomme
Edited by: Lenka Fillnerova
Cast: Damien Samedi, Ysma Sermon-Daï
Producer: Sébastien Andres, Alice Lemaire
Produced by: Michigan Films
Co-produced by: RTBF, Take Five
- Berlin IFF, Forum (World Premiere)
- Athens IFF | Best Documentary Award
- Namur IFF | Bayard d’Or for Best Film, Agnès Prize
- Docaviv IDFF
- IDFA, Best of Fest
- Angers Premiers Plans | Prix Diagonales
- Docudays UA | Student Jury Prize
- Quebec City FF
- Au Contraire FF
- St. John’s International Women’s FF
- Message to Man FF, Competition
- ZINEBI, Competition
- L’Alternativa, Competition
- Filmmaker Festival
- Panorama of European Film
“Paloma Sermon-Daï delivers a sensitive film on drug addiction, on filial and maternal love, and on second, third or even fourth chances.” Cineuropa
