'La Gradiva' in Competition at Cannes’ Semaine de la Critique with Pompeii and Naples centre stage

Pompeii and Naples star in Marine Atlan's debut film, La Gradiva, in Competition at Cannes’ Semaine de la Critique (May 13-21, 2026) whose selection of first and second films for the 65th edition has just been announced.  There are seven films in competition, include five directorial debuts, and four premieres out of competition.

A French-Italian co-production, produced by Les Films Du Poisson with Bibi Films and with the contribution of the Ministry of Culture and the support of Eurimages. Announcing the selection, General Delegate Ava Cahen described it as a "breathtakingly beautiful" film which "precisely captures the convictions and uncertainties of a highly sensitive generation." La Gradiva follows a group of French high school students who travel to Naples on a school trip with their Latin teacher to visit the ruins of Pompeii and the petrified bodies of Mount Vesuvius. In this city steeped in myth and sulphur, adolescents and adults are dragged into a dizzying descent, succumbing to emotions and desires until they overflow. One by one, they are overwhelmed by desire and anger until they finally surrender completely.

The film was shot almost entirely in Italy, for six weeks from April to May 2025, with a crew of 27 local and 36 French professionals. Locations in Naples and province included Pompeii, Portici, and Torre del Greco. Filming also took place inside the MANN - National Archaeological Museum of Naples. (See ON SET)

The cast includes French actress and director Antonia Buresi, with a talented ensemble of performers, including Colas Quignard, Suzanne Gerin, Mitia Capellier.

'City of Owls' in the Short Film Competition

The selection of the 65th Semaine de la Critique includes ten short films in competition and three special screenings, including the French-German-Italian co-production City of Owls by Zhenia Kazankina, a Russian-born writer and director based in Rome, whose work revolves around themes of loneliness and alienation from a female perspective.

In City of Owls, on the last night before her departure, Vera puts her little sister to bed. To hide the true reason for her departure, she tells her a bedtime story about a city swallowed up by an eternal night.

Produced by Moderato, Il Varco Cinema, 8produzione, C41, Cattive Produzioni, and Oudeis. International sales are handled by Gargantua.