LITTLE JAFFNA, Opening Night French Film at 3rd i Film festival.

Friday October 10th, 7:30pm , at The Roxie Theater in San Francisco 

Co-presented by Villa-Albertine,  Consulat Général de France à San Francisco Service Culturel,  and the Alliance Français de San Francisco

The gripping and exuberant crime thriller LITTLE JAFFNA, directed by Lawrence Valin, is layered with nuanced socio-political underpinnings. This stunning film is an impressive debut feature that explores identity and belonging within the Tamil Community in Paris, France. 

Set in the lively La Chapelle district in Paris, fondly known as Little Jaffna, the film follows Michael, a young undercover French police officer of Sri Lankan descent, portrayed by Valin himself, who is assigned to infiltrate a local Tamil gang. As Michael delves deeper into the gang’s operations, he confronts the cultural complexities of his dual identity.

Stylistically, Valin skillfully blends elements of Western crime thrillers with the vibrant aesthetics of South Indian cinema. The film explores authoritarian gang loyalties and patriotic nationalistic ideologies, and captures the challenges faced by immigrants, who strive to preserve their roots and integrate into French society while also celebrating the joy and resilience of the vibrant Tamil diaspora. The film also features Tamil stars Radhika Sarathkumar and Vela Ramamoorthy.  

Best International Feature Film, Golden Eye Award, and  PREMIERED – Venice Film Festival, 2024

More information with links for discount tickets coming soon!