Le Rendez-vous de l’été, internationally titled That Summer in Paris, is an upcoming French comedy-drama set to be released in France on June 11, 2025. The film is the debut feature from promising filmmaker Valentine Cadic and is already garnering attention for its emotional depth, unique setting, and modern storytelling.
With its backdrop rooted in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, this reflective and personal tale is poised to resonate deeply with both domestic and international audiences. The film offers more than a narrative—it’s a subtle meditation on family, loneliness, and personal identity during one of the most high-profile events in French history.
Film Summary and Core Themes
A Story of Reconnection and Self-Discovery
At the heart of Le Rendez-vous de l’été is Blandine, a 30-year-old woman from Normandy who makes her way to Paris to attend the Olympic swimming events. More importantly, she hopes to reconnect with her half-sister, Julie, after a decade-long estrangement.
Blandine is reserved, introverted, and overwhelmed by the city’s Olympic buzz. In stark contrast, Julie is free-spirited and chaotic. As the story unfolds across the summer streets of Paris, the two sisters navigate the emotional terrain of reconciliation, past trauma, and the struggle for personal freedom.
Key Themes Explored
- Family and Reconnection: The emotional crux of the film lies in Blandine and Julie’s fractured relationship.
- Isolation vs. Celebration: Set amid the communal festivity of the Olympics, the film draws a sharp contrast with Blandine’s internal loneliness.
- Authenticity: By using real locations and moments during the actual Olympics, the film captures the unpredictability and authenticity of everyday life in Paris.
Cast and Characters
The film features a compelling mix of seasoned actors and rising talents:
- Blandine Madec as Blandine – portraying a restrained yet deeply emotional lead role.
- India Hair as Julie – the spirited and unpredictable sister.
- Arcadi Radeff as Benjamin – a figure who helps Blandine during her emotional exploration.
- Matthias Jacquin as Paul – an Olympic enthusiast with a personal story.
- Lou Deleuze as Alma – a secondary character symbolizing Parisian youth.
- Béryl Gastaldello as Herself – a real-life French Olympic swimmer, bringing realism to the story’s sporting element.
The casting of real athletes and on-location shooting during the 2024 Olympic Games gives the film an organic and documentary-like texture.
Behind the Camera: Direction and Production
Valentine Cadic’s Directorial Debut
Valentine Cadic, known previously for her short films and acting work, takes a confident leap into feature-length filmmaking with Le Rendez-vous de l’été. Her artistic vision embraces naturalistic performances, improvised moments, and an emphasis on human connection. She co-wrote the script with Mariette Désert, known for her nuanced work on French dramas.
Filming During the 2024 Olympics
The production took place in Paris during July and August 2024, coinciding with the Olympic Games. The team adopted a semi-documentary shooting style, using public spaces, live events, and minimal staging to reflect the city’s vibrant atmosphere. This approach presented logistical challenges but resulted in a film that feels immersive and authentic.
Technical Team
- Cinematography: Naomi Amarger
- Editing: Lisa Raymond
- Original Music: Saint DX
The film’s visual palette is warm and sunlit, reflecting both the season and the hopeful yet complicated emotions within the story.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Presence
Le Rendez-vous de l’été had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in early 2025. It was part of the Perspectives section, aimed at showcasing emerging global talents. The film was also nominated for the Teddy Award, which honors films with LGBTQ+ themes or creators, suggesting additional subtext or representation not revealed in marketing.
Critics praised the film’s:
- Authenticity in capturing Paris during the Olympics.
- Intimate performances, particularly from Blandine Madec and India Hair.
- Direction that balances emotional restraint with visual poetry.
- Social realism, blending the city’s grandeur with everyday human concerns.
Where and How to Watch
Le Rendez-vous de l’été is scheduled for theatrical release in France on June 11, 2025, followed by its digital and streaming rollout.
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Final Thoughts
Le Rendez-vous de l’été stands out as a sensitive, honest, and beautifully crafted debut from Valentine Cadic, offering audiences a rare blend of documentary realism and fictional drama. It reflects the emotional turbulence of modern relationships while capturing a historical cultural moment—the Paris Olympics—in the background.
For anyone interested in contemporary French cinema, personal storytelling, or visually rich narratives, this is a must-watch film in 2025.
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