“Leave One Day” by Amélie Bonnin Opens the 78th Cannes Film Festival

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival opened with an extraordinary first feature: Leave One Day (Laissez-moi partir) by Amélie Bonnin. The film, an emotional and musically infused exploration of love, memory, and identity, not only captured the hearts of the audience but also marked a historic milestone — it is the first debut feature ever to open the festival.

A Groundbreaking Debut

Bonnin, who previously gained acclaim with a short film, brings an original vision to the screen that blurs the line between musical and drama, reinventing both genres with refreshing sincerity. Speaking at the official Cannes press conference, Bonnin described the experience of premiering at Cannes as “absolutely crazy,” revealing she only found out about the selection during a late-night call from her producers. “We couldn’t sleep until 3 a.m.,” she recalled.

The cast and crew echoed her sentiments of awe and gratitude. Actor François Rollin described the evening as “like a childhood dream.” His joy was echoed by singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet, who makes her acting debut in the film, and praised the Cannes audience for its “generous and warm energy.”

Reinventing the Musical

Leave One Day is not a traditional musical — it’s a deeply human story where music organically blends into the characters’ lives. Bonnin and co-writer Dimitri Lucas revealed that no songs were recorded in a studio. Everything was captured live, with the same microphone used for both dialogue and vocals.

“The idea was to bring music into the dialogue,” Bonnin explained. “For many characters, singing was the most honest way to express themselves.” This approach lends a raw and authentic feel to the film, especially in emotionally charged scenes like one where Rollin’s character performs a Nougaro classic — a moment the actor described as “magical.”

Casting with Heart, Not Voice

Rather than seeking out polished vocalists, Bonnin focused on casting actors based on emotional truth. Actor Toufek Jalab, who had never sung professionally, described his audition as a “total disaster.” But that vulnerability was exactly what Bonnin was looking for. “It’s not about singing well,” she said. “It’s about what the character is feeling when they sing.”

This philosophy extended to all aspects of the film. During casting, actors were asked to choose songs that matched their characters emotionally. The result is a tapestry of performances that feel intimate, messy, and achingly real.

A Story Rooted in Life

At its core, Leave One Day is a story about a woman returning to her hometown, facing unresolved relationships, pregnancy, and questions about the future. It’s a subtle and layered narrative that avoids the clichés of typical romantic triangles. “Life is more complex than choosing between two lovers,” said Bonnin. “We wanted to show that reality is fragile, unresolved — just like music.”

The film’s themes of parenthood, memory, identity, and second chances unfold naturally, supported by a strong ensemble cast. Armanet and Jalab shine in roles that allow them to be vulnerable and authentic, while Bonnin’s direction balances moments of lightness and deep emotion.

A Feminine Perspective and Quiet Revolution

Bonnin also acknowledged the symbolic weight of being a female director opening Cannes, noting the importance of representation and the path paved by filmmakers like Julia Ducournau. “You become a symbol when you’re a woman reaching a certain level,” she said. “But thankfully, it’s becoming less rare.”

Interestingly, the film flips the premise of Bonnin’s earlier short film, in which a man returns to his village. This time, it’s a woman — played by Armanet — whose journey takes center stage. The change, as Bonnin noted, happened almost unconsciously, but became a meaningful evolution of her storytelling.