Erige Sehiri’s Un Certain Regard Opener PROMISED SKY Gets a 15-Minute Standing Ovation
PROMISED SKY, Erige Sehiri’s powerful new film, held its world premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as the Opening Film of the Un Certain Regard to rapturous applause.
The screening took place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, May 14th, at the iconic Salle Debussy, and from the moment the lights went down, PROMISED SKY made an impact, earning praise for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and powerful portrayal of feminine strength both on and off-screen, all of which garnered a 15-minute standing ovation — not a polite gesture, but a full-body release of emotion, energy, and awe.
But even before the first frame, something electric was in the air. The full team walked the red carpet together — cast, crew, producers — united, proud, and glowing with purpose. Leading actresses Aïssa Maïga, Laetitia Ky, and rising star Deborah Lobe Naney stunned with their presence. Mohamed Grayaa, a legend of Tunisian cinema, also joined the celebration. Frida Marzouk, the film’s cinematographer, arrived to well-earned attention, her work already being called “poetic, powerful, and quietly radical.”
Then Sehiri took the stage. Wearing a pin of the Palestinian flag — a quiet yet bold gesture — she stood in solidarity with those whose humanity is so often questioned. Brave, composed, and clearly moved, she delivered a speech that was equal parts gratitude and conviction. She thanked the Cannes team, her cast and crew, and wished all the other filmmakers the success they deserve. “I am proud, and full of love for every single person who made this film with me,” she said.
“I hope every film, in its own way, contributes to ending the dehumanization of the other.” And to the audience, who had just witnessed the emotional journey she created, she closed with a heartfelt thank you.
The film has already garnered significant attention, with critics absolutely buzzing about its impact. The world premiere sparked immediate excitement, and early reviews have only fueled the buzz. Screen Daily summed it up perfectly, saying, “Promised Sky becomes a bittersweet celebration of endurance and sacrifice, with notable newcomer Deborah Lobe giving a winning performance as a vibrant spirit, determined to survive everything that life throws at her.”
The outlet also praised Sehiri for shaping “the story around the individual and collective challenges faced by the women.”
Meanwhile, Cineuropa lauded the film’s profound human depth, noting that “Erige Sehiri wins viewers over with an incredibly human film, placing focus on an endearing trio of women from sub-Saharan Africa living in Tunis and developing a growing awareness of the world.”
It also said PROMISED SKY was “wonderfully paced and endowed with an incredibly fluid sense of movement and varied décor,” and “slowly and skilfully lifts the veil on the different sides of its three protagonists.”
These early reviews only confirm what was clear from the start: PROMISED SKY is a film that captivates and leaves a lasting impression. With its powerful performances and heartfelt storytelling, Erige Sehiri’s latest work is already making waves and will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
PROMISED SKY follows Marie, an Ivorian pastor and former journalist who lives in Tunis. Her home becomes a refuge for Naney, a young mother seeking a better future, and Jolie, a strong-willed student carrying her family’s hopes. The arrival of a little orphan girl challenges their sense of solidarity in a tense social climate, revealing both their fragility and strength.
This isn’t Erige Sehiri’s first time at Cannes,her debut feature, UNDER THE FIG TREES, made waves in 2022. Now, she’s back with PROMISED SKY, a story that resonates just as deeply. Directed and co-produced by Sehiri, with cinematography by Frida Marzouk (known for her work on John Wick), PROMISED SKY is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
For those attending the festival, PROMISED SKY will have additional screenings. It will be shown again at 8:30 am on Thursday, May 15th, at Salle Debussy, 11:30 am at Licorne, and 5:15 pm at Cineum Imax. The final screening will take place at 2:15 pm on Friday, May 16th at Cineum Aurore.
PROMISED SKY is produced by Didar Domehri and Erige Sehiri under Maneki Films and Henia Production. Distribution is handled by MAD Distribution in the Arab world, Jour2Fête in France, and international sales are led by Luxbox, ensuring this powerful story finds its place on screens around the globe.
