A Toute Vitesse
(Full Speed)

Director: Gael Morel

1996 France 85' 35mm color in French
with Japanese and English subtitles


Rushing through their youth and the uncertainties of contemporary life at full speed, as if trying
desperately to shed off their insecurities... In his first feature film, Gael Morel depicts youthful
anxiety amidst the economic instability, violence and racial hatred of France today.
Quentin has written a book about the lives of young people in the suburbs of a provincial city and
won a contest by a large Parisian publisher. He has a girlfriend, Julie, but has an even stronger
bond to his best friend Jimmy. One night at a club Quentin meets Samir, a shy boy of Arab origin,
who becomes obsessed with him. Quentin also feels attracted to Samir, but convinces himself that
his feelings are nothing more than friendship, and brutally rejects Samir's love.
Julie
perceives Samir's feelings towards Quentin and sees how success has made Quentin cruel.
Everything comes to a head when Samir is assaulted by racists.

*Full Speed* is a stirring portrayal of the sweet yet violent impetuosity of youth in these often cruel and
painful times.
This film will be preceded by a clip of the French anti-discrimination rap song *AIDS Rap*.


Director Profile - Gael Morel

As an actor, Gael Morel starred in Andre Techine's autobiographical
film Wild Reeds, playing a bewildered adolescent who comes to realize he is gay
when he is@attracted to a boarding school
classmate. This role brought Morel and coactors Elodie Bouchez,
St*phane Rideau and Frederic Gorny much critical acclaim. Bouchez and
Rideau also star in Full Speed.


Le rap du sida (AIDS Rap)

Director: Michel Meyer

1994 France 5' 35mm color in French with Japanese and English subtitles


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