2002 (French with English subtitles)

A poignant film about coming to terms with sexuality.
16 year old Etienne (Jimmy Tavares, in his screen debut) makes a video diary of his life in provincial France, documenting his family, his main passion (ice skating), his friendships and feelings. Through his own eyes, we see Etienne discover his sexuality, manifested largely through his attraction to his geography teacher (and mother’s boyfriend). We see him cope with the reactions of his best friend Ludo as he discusses whether it is possible to love a man or not, and we see the first signs of his first possible relationship.

‘ Ma Vie’ is a wonderfully shot film with some excellent acting. The storyline is thought provoking and interesting (if a little rushed at the end!) and one feels a genuine empathy with the main character. And Tavares is pretty cute too… Very well received on the Lesbian and Gay Film circuit.

Well worth seeing (even if you can’t stand subtitled films).