21/02/2020 - Belgian writer-director Paloma Sermon-Daï’s debut feature-length documentary is premiering in the Berlinale Forum

Damien Samedi is a hard-working man, a loving son and a caring boyfriend. He’s also been struggling with drug addiction for most of his adult life, counting on his mother Ysma’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.

Petit Samedi [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Paloma Sermon Daï
film profile] is the portrait of a man facing his demons, as captured by Belgian documentarian Paloma Sermon-Daï in her debut feature-length documentary, which is set to world-premiere in the Forum section of the 70^th Berlin International Film Festival. Using her own personal story as a basis, as Damien is her brother and Ysma their mother, the director tells the tale of a mother who refused to abandon her son when he got caught up in drugs, and of a son who kept his head above water for years, if only in order not to disappoint her.

Petit Samedi was produced by Sébastien Andres and Alice Lemaire for Brussels-based Michigan Films, in co-production with Wallonie Image Production, Dérives and Take Five, and with the support of the Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, RTBF and Screen.brussels. Greek sales agent Heretic Outreach is handling the world sales of the documentary.

Check out our exclusive trailer and poster below: