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Le rêve américain film image; two men sitting on steps with a basketball

Le rêve américain

© Mika Cotellon

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You wouldn’t believe this tall tale about two nobodies who decide to set up as sports agents to French basketball players (they play basketball in France!?), except that it happens to be true. Jérémy (Raphaël Quenard) works at a video store in Amiens. Bouna (Jean-Pascal Zadi) used to clean floors at Orly airport. They like to shoot hoops but they’re not athletic material. Turns out they have the hustle. And they know potential when they see it.

Anthony Mariano’s entertaining buddy movie has been compared to Les Intouchables and White Men Can’t Jump. It’s a slick piece of work which hits all the right story beats and finds emotional purchase in the duo’s enduring friendship. Crowds will be pleased.

a touching and inspiring comedy about friendship and resilience. As its title suggests, this success story has all the ingredients of a Hollywood sports film, in the vein of Jerry Maguire or Moneyball . Director Anthony Marciano, however, manages to avoid genre clichés by refocusing his narrative on the unwavering friendship between his two protagonists. Friends in real life, Raphaël Quenard and Jean-Pascal Zadi form a duo that is as endearing as it is irresistible, and their on-screen chemistry is undeniable.

Maxine Demers, Journal de Montreal

It must be said that Jean-Pascal Zadi and Raphaël Quenard are absolutely fabulous in the roles of Bouna Ndiaye and Jérémy Medjana. Combining determination, resourcefulness, and resilience, the two stars create an irresistible duo of tenacious dreamers.

Francois Levesque, Le Devoir

Director

Anthony Marciano

Cast

Jean-Pascal Zadi, Raphaël Quenard

Credits
Country of Origin

France

Year

2026

Language

In French and English with English subtitles

19+
126 min

Book Tickets

Friday June 12

6:20 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Saturday June 13

7:45 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Sunday June 14

5:40 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - Lochmaddy Studio Theatre
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Tuesday June 16

8:30 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Credits

Producer

Margaux Marciano, Nicolas Duval Adassovsky

Screenwriter

Anthony Marciano

Cinematography

Antony Diaz

Editor

Guillaume Lauras

Original Music

Dédouze

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