The Sentinel
Francia 2026 29"
Ali Cherri
July 14, on Bastille Day. Strained by the military cadence of the barracks, Sergeant Lafleur struggles with the silent burden of duty. A doctor grants him one night of freedom, under the condition that he shall return before dawn. Nocturnal wanderings begin in the heart of a world which gradually drifts away from reality. A night suspended between destiny and desertion.
July 14, on Bastille Day. Strained by the military cadence of the barracks, Sergeant Lafleur struggles with the silent burden of duty. A doctor grants him one night of freedom, under the condition that he shall return before dawn. Nocturnal wanderings begin in the heart of a world which gradually drifts away from reality. A night suspended between destiny and desertion.
Ali Cherri
Born in Beirut, Ali Cherri is a filmmaker and sculptor based in Paris. His work is exhibited in major museums around the world and earned him the Silver Lion at the Art Venice Biennale in 2022. That same year, his debut feature film, The Dam, premiered at Cannes as part of the Directors’ Fortnight. He later directed the short films The Watchman, presented at the 2024 Rotterdam Film Festival, and The Sentinel, selected at Cannes' Semaine de la Critique in 2026.