The upcoming French film 13 Days, 13 Nights (13 Jours, 13 Nuits) is a powerful historical drama set for theatrical release in France on June 27, 2025. Directed by Martin Bourboulon, the film captures the intense and emotional story of the French embassy evacuation in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
Rooted in real events, this cinematic masterpiece promises to be one of the most important films in contemporary French cinema, exploring themes of diplomacy, courage, survival, and moral duty in times of chaos.
Overview of the Film
- Title: 13 Days, 13 Nights (13 Jours, 13 Nuits)
- Release Date: June 27, 2025 (France)
- Genre: Historical Drama, Political Thriller
- Language: French, English, Pashto
- Runtime: 112 minutes
- Director: Martin Bourboulon
- Screenwriters: Martin Bourboulon, Alexandre Smia
- Production Companies: Pathé Films, Chapter 2, M6 Films
- Distributor: Pathé Distribution
- Budget: €28 million
Storyline: A Race Against Time in a City on the Brink
Set during the final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the film follows Commander Mohamed Bida on a critical mission. As the Taliban rapidly approaches Kabul, he races against time to evacuate the French embassy within 13 days and 13 nights. He assembles a small but determined team, including Eva, a brave Franco-Afghan humanitarian worker.
Together, they face collapsing political structures, widespread panic, and increasingly dangerous streets throughout the city. Their mission remains clear: evacuate French citizens and endangered Afghan partners before the Taliban seizes complete control. They must reach Hamid Karzai International Airport while avoiding chaos and violence growing by the hour.
Main Cast and Characters
- Roschdy Zem as Commander Mohamed Bida – a calm yet commanding leader whose experience and moral clarity drive the mission.
- Lyna Khoudri as Eva – a courageous humanitarian fighting for the safety of her people and community.
- Sidse Babett Knudsen as Kate – an international journalist caught in the storm of war.
- Christophe Montenez as Martin – a young officer facing war for the first time.
- Fatima Adoum as Amina – a local interpreter risking her life to help.
- Avant Strangel as a U.S. General – representing diplomatic friction and support.
- Sina Parvaneh, Sayed Hashimi, and others complete the ensemble.
Production and Filming
Principal photography began in May 2024 and wrapped up in August, primarily in Casablanca, Morocco.
The team selected Casablanca because its urban layout closely resembled Kabul’s dense and chaotic environment. To enhance realism, the filmmakers included over 10,000 extras, such as Afghan refugees and expats, in large-scale scenes.
This approach brought intensity and authenticity to each chaotic moment captured on screen.
Director Martin Bourboulon, known for Eiffel and The Three Musketeers (2023), called the film a human-centered war story. He emphasized emotional truth and moral dilemmas over fast-paced action, highlighting resilience during geopolitical collapse.
Based on a True Story
The screenplay is adapted from the memoir 13 jours, 13 nuits dans l’enfer de Kaboul by Commander Mohamed Bida, who personally led the French evacuation mission in 2021. His insider account adds depth, urgency, and realism to the film’s script.
This film goes beyond dramatization—it is a faithful chronicle of bravery and diplomacy that sheds light on the human stories often left behind in international crises.
Technical Credits
- Music Composer: Guillaume Roussel – Known for intense, emotive scores.
- Cinematographer: Nicolas Bolduc – Capturing the heat, urgency, and volatility of Kabul.
- Editor: Stan Collet – Balancing high tension with moments of reflection.
- Sound Design: Pierre Mertens – Crafting a haunting audio landscape of war.
- Costume Design: Sandrine Bernard
- Production Design: Stéphane Taillasson
Festival Recognition
13 Days, 13 Nights was selected for an out-of-competition premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received strong critical praise for its timely subject, emotional weight, and bold performances. Roschdy Zem and Lyna Khoudri were both highlighted for their commanding portrayals, bringing depth and humanity to their roles.
Themes and Social Relevance
This film isn’t just about war—it’s about the difficult choices faced by diplomats, civilians, and soldiers in a collapsing world. It raises essential questions about:
- Responsibility of Western powers in conflict zones
- Moral ambiguity during evacuations
- Loyalty, trust, and human dignity in wartime
The themes are more relevant than ever as global conflicts and refugee crises continue to dominate headlines.
Where to Watch 13 Days, 13 Nights
If you’re looking to watch 13 Days, 13 Nights online after its theatrical release, the best destination is https://frenchiptv.shop/ – the leading French IPTV service. Offering high-quality, reliable, and legal IPTV streaming, this platform is ideal for watching the latest French films, TV shows, and premium content right from your home.
Whether you’re a cinema lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for world-class storytelling, this film will be available on demand through the best IPTV platform in France. Stay updated and never miss a release by visiting FrenchIPTV.shop.
Conclusion
13 Days, 13 Nights is a film that demands attention. It is powerful, emotional, timely, and unforgettable. With strong performances, an urgent plot, and its roots in real-world tragedy, it stands out as one of the most significant French films of 2025.
Don’t miss this cinematic experience when it hits theaters on June 27, 2025, and for the best IPTV access to this film and many others, visit https://frenchiptv.shop/ — your trusted source for the best French streaming content.
