Rookies (2022) – Helsinki International Film Festival - Love & Anarchy

The kinetic pace of Rookies matches the dynamism of its subjects, a group of talented and ambitious high schoolers from diverse backgrounds in Paris who come together to perform hip hop dance battle.

Tara Judah, Screen Daily

Alternating between frantic and composed based on the nature of the performances, the directors let the dancers show off their immense talent and the ease they have with their own bodies when it’s just them and the music; a stark contrast to the school scenes or the interviews where they talk about their backgrounds. This makes Rookies an energetic, well-rounded documentary that goes against the norms of the dance world, where white bodies are still the most common, tackles how hip-hop dancing crosses gender barriers, shows passion and warmth for its subjects, and creates a beautiful and honest snapshot of French youth today.

Marc van de Klashorst, International Cinephile Society

Theme: Fuck It, I'm Young
Country: France
Director: Thierry Demaizière, Alban Teurlai
Screenplay: Elsa Le Peutrec, Thierry Demaizière, Alban Teurlai
Starring: Charlotte Saudrais, Erwan Schamaneche, Michelle Kibebe
Production: Stéphanie Schorter, Macha Prod / Falabracks, Tohubohu
Duration: 115 min
Age limit: K12

Language: French
Subtitles: English
Distribution: Le Pacte
Cinematography: Alban Teurlai
Editing: Alban Teurlai
Music: Flavia Neves
Sound: Emmanuel Guionet