The everyday wonders of the world around us dazzle in this thrilling feature debut, about a young Parisian whose dreams are far from Earthbound.

Yuri lives in Cité Gagarine, a vast housing project in Ivry-sur-Seine on the outskirts of Paris. It was opened in the 1960s by the famous Russian cosmonaut, after whom both the building and its young resident are named. Now in a state of disrepair, the building is to be torn down, but this once-thriving hotbed of leftist political activism still hosts a community of residents unhappy at having to leave. None more so than Yuri, who not only figures out a way to stay beyond the council-mandated evacuation order, but to create his own orbital spacecraft within it.

Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh have skilfully adapted their acclaimed short into an inventive, frequently funny and moving drama. The themes they contend with – racism, social and economic inequality, community action – are handled with an impressive lightness of touch and carried mostly by newcomer Alséni Bathily’s accomplished central performance, allowing us to accompany Yuri on his increasingly otherworldly journey. Beautifully shot by Victor Seguin, Gagarine is a dazzling and wholly original take on modern-day city life.

France • 2020 • English subtitles • Drama • 98mins

Directors:  Fanny Liatard, Jérémy Trouilh

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