The setting is La Ciotat, in the south of France. Antoine (Matthieu Lucci) attends a summer writing workshop in which young people have been selected to write a crime thriller under the guidance of a famous novelist, Olivia Dejazet (Marina Foïs, Polisse - SFFF 2012, Papa ou Maman 1 & 2 - SFFF 2016 & 2017, also in Gaspard at the Wedding, playing this year at the SFFF). The other students decide that their novel will recall the town’s glorious industrial past, a form of nostalgia to which Antoine feels indifferent. More concerned with the fears of the modern world, the young man soon clashes with the group and with Olivia, who seems both alarmed and captivated by Antoine’s perceived violence.

With The Workshop Laurent Cantet (Heading South, SFFF 2006) continues his insightful exploration of French youth and its hopeless wanderings. Marina Foïs was nominated for the Best Actress César for her subtle portrayal of Olivia Dejazet.

Robin Campillo, co-writer of The Workshop, is the writer/director of BPM, recipient of several César awards including Best Film and Best Original Screenplay, also presented this year at the SFFF.

Shown with THE RAPTURE (L'Ivresse des profondeurs) by Colline Lebon.