My Friend Victoria

Victoria, a little black girl aged 8 from a humble background, happens to spend the night with the bourgeois family of Thomas, one of her classmates. Years later, they see each other again and Marie is the fruit of their fleeting relationship. But Victoria decides not to tell Thomas and raises her child alone. When Marie turns seven, Victoria decides that her daughter must have a better future and again turns to this family that she lost sight of long ago.

Directed by Jean-Paul Civeyrac, My Friend Victoria leans on a strong ensemble — Guslagie Malanda, Nadia Moussa, Catherine Mouchet — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2014.