LA PREMIERE FOIS QUE J'AI EU 20 ANS

It's the 1960s, and sixteen-year-old Hannah (Marilou Berry) is the ugly duckling of her affectionate, yet stifling family but she's also the smartest. She lives in the Paris suburbs with her father (Serge Riaboukine), who works in a garage as a mechanic, her doting mother (Catherine Jacob) and two attractive sisters.

Hannah's dream is to be chosen for her high school's jazz band - a small, all-male ensemble that travels and competes. Hannah has her eye on the cute trumpet player from the band - yet he won't give her the time of day. She's talented at double bass though, and manages to be selected - but that's where her real troubles begin. It's not only the gender barrier - there's also her Jewish-ness and rather plain appearance - and the boys begin to play nasty pranks. She confides in her uncle (Pierre Arditi) that she's miserable...

THE FIRST TIME I WAS TWENTY is a classic and appealing tale of an underdog who struggles to find her place in a rather hostile environment. Berry complements her coruscating performance in LOOK AT ME (also in the Festival) with another marvellous showing as a girl who remains true to herself, despite the temptation to relent. Laced with dark humour, and a fabulous jazz soundtrack - this is the sort of uplifting film that will send you from the theatre feeling great.

France - 2004 - Drama - 97 mins
In French with English subtitles

Director: Lorraine Levy
Script: Lorraine Levy
Cast: Marilou Berry, Catherine Jacob, Serge Riaboukine, Pierre Arditi