Oppressed by her family setting, dead-end school prospects and the boys law in the neighborhood, Marieme starts a new life after meeting a group of 3 free-spirited girls. She changes her name, her dress code, and quits school to be accepted in the gang, hoping that this will be a way to freedom.
Girlhood (French: Bande de filles) is a 2014 French drama film directed by Céline Sciamma. It was screened as part of the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. The film was also screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. It won the TVE Another Look Award at the 62nd San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize at the Philadelphia Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the European Parliament Lux Prize.
Fed up with her abusive family situation, lack of school prospects and the “boys’ law” in the neighborhood, Marieme starts a new life after meeting a group of three free-spirited girls. She changes her name, her style, drops out of school and starts stealing to be accepted into the gang. When her home situation becomes unbearable, Marieme seeks solace in an older man who promises her money and protection. Realizing this sort of lifestyle will never result in the freedom and independence she truly desires, she finally decides to take matters into her own hands.