“Petite Maman is a pithy, gemlike film…as pristine and poignant a reflection on the bonds that tie us to one another across time and generations as one can imagine.” -Alissa Wilkinson, Vox
“In PETITE MAMAN, Céline Sciamma crafts a staggeringly gorgeous fairy tale about the little things we don’t get to learn about the ones we love, the struggles of loss, and the loveliness of those that came from the path behind us.” -Ross Bonaime, Collider
“It’s perfect.” -Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
Wednesday, September 23, 8:15 p.m. | Céline Sciamma proved herself as one of the most accomplished and unpredictable contemporary French filmmakers with her follow up to PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, the uniquely emotional, PETITE MAMAN. Following the death of her beloved grandmother, 8-year-old Nelly accompanies her parents to her mother’s childhood home to begin the difficult process of cleaning out its contents. As Nelly explores the house and nearby woods, she is immediately drawn to a neighbor her own age building a treehouse. What follows is a tender tale of childhood grief, memory and connection.
Awards & Nominations
2021 Berlin International Film Festival - Official Selection
2021 Toronto International Film Festival - Official Selection
2022 Independent Spirit Awards - Nominee, Best International Film
SAIC Film Club | Ongoing Monthly Series
SAIC Film Club is a monthly series of compelling repertory films selected by SAIC students and open to the public. This fall’s films were programmed by Siskel Film Center student worker Sofia Roberts, who will also introduce each screening.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu