Vingt Dieux (Holy Cow)

*** Followed by refreshments.
Film release date: 2026
Film languages: French (English subtitles)

This film has been called 'a warm family drama'. Directed by Louise Courvoisier as her debut feature film, it uses untrained actors sourced from regional France. It premiered at Cannes in 2024 in the Un Certain Regard section and won the Youth Prize. It also won Best First Film at both the César Awards and the Lumière Awards.
Set in the Franche-Comté region of France, the film follows the fortunes of 18-year-old Totone who, after the sudden death of his father, has to assume responsibility for his younger sister. He decides to take over his father's cheese dairy and hopes to win the 30,000 Euro prize for the best cheese. Without going into the twists and turns of Totone's efforts to achieve this, suffice to say that the film is ultimately about coming of age, friendship and cheese making, showing the difficult lives of France's small farmers. It is set in the Jura district of France where the filmmakers did a lot of research visiting agricultural shows and stock car events (Totone's best friend is involved in this activity).
Critics called the film well-acted and charming, with ravishing scenery and youthful energy.