Noël au balcon

Neighbors at first, Emma and Sacha became lovers in the attic room of the house that was divided between their two families. Their relationship led to the birth of a daughter, Paulette. But a few years later, they separated. Paulette lives with her mother and sees her father every second weekend. During the festive season, the divorce agreement requires that Paulette spend Christmas with her father’s family and New Year’s Eve with her mother’s family.

Directed by Martine Doyen, Noël au balcon leans on a strong ensemble — Valérie Lemaître, Sarah Dua, Philippe Résimont — 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 comedy titles of 1997.