French Film of the Month: Little Sister

Tuesday the 12th of May, 2026 17.30

Caught between cultural pressure and a journey of self-discovery, young Fatima moves to Paris to begin her adult life. The film was awarded the Queer Palm at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Cinema Orion

Eerikinkatu 15 00100 Helsinki

room

The French film of the month for May, Little Sister (Hafsia Herzi, 2025), portrays a young Muslim woman, Fatima, from the Paris suburbs, torn between tradition and freedom. In addition to winning the Queer Palm, the film’s lead actress, Nadia Melliti, received the award for Best Actress for her role as Fatima.

SYNOPSIS: Fatima, 17, is the youngest in her family. She lives in the suburbs with her sisters in a warm and loving home. A strong student, she enrolls in a philosophy program in Paris and discovers a whole new world. As she steps into young adulthood, she begins to break free from her family and its traditions, prompting her to question her identity. How can she reconcile her faith with her emerging desires?

Language: French

Subtitles: English

Duration: 1h47min

The film celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, observed on May 17.

The tickets will soon be available on the website of Cinema Orion!

See as well

Culture

French Film of the Month: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Saturday the 25th of April, 2026 15.00

During this prescreening, step into the enchanting world of little Amélie in Japan, before everything changes on the eve of her third birthday. An Oscar-nominated animated film, adapted from the novel by Amélie Nothomb. Lire la suite →

Culture

French Pub Quiz

Tuesday the 14th of April, 2026 18:00-20:00

From general knowledge to the latest trends buzzing on your feed — put your knowledge of French language and culture to the test! Lire la suite →

INSTITUT FRANÇAIS DE FINLANDE

Tehtaankatu 27-29D, 00150 Helsinki

The entrance can be found through the archway leading to the inner courtyard. Once on the couryard, please take the elevator number 4 on the left to the 4th floor.

Tel. +358 (0)9 2510 210

Access to the Institute and its interior spaces is adapted for persons with reduced mobility. However, please note that the ramp leading to the entrance is steep and requires the help of an assistant for wheelchair users. Unfortunately, the restrooms are not accessible to persons with reduced mobility.