Mikhaël Hers

Mikhaël Hers (born 6 February 1975 in Paris, France) is a celebrated French film director and screenwriter whose work is noted for its delicate portrayal of everyday intimacy and the nuanced emotional currents that run beneath ordinary life. After graduating from the prestigious La Fémis school in 2004 with a focus on production, Hers quickly transitioned to directing, debuting with the medium‑length Charell in 2006, an adaptation of a Patrick Modiano novel that earned a coveted spot in Critics' Week at Cannes and signaled his emerging talent. The following year he continued his ascent with Primrose Hill, again selected for Critics' Week and later honored at the Clermont‑Ferrand International Short Film Festival, reinforcing his reputation for crafting visually poetic narratives that balance realism with lyrical sensibility. Hers' third short, Montparnasse (2009), captured the Jean‑Vigo prize and a screening in the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes, cementing his status among France's most promising auteurs. In 2010 he made his feature‑film debut with Memory Lane, premiering at the Locarno International Film Festival before its French release, where critics praised its subtle storytelling and atmospheric composition. His sophomore feature, This Summer Feeling (2015), further explored themes of memory and longing, employing a restrained visual style that earned international festival attention. The 2018 film Amanda marked a high point, winning both the Grand Prize and Best Screenplay at the Tokyo International Film Festival, highlighting Hers' skill in blending tender character studies with compelling narrative structure. Most recently, The Passengers of the Night (2022) competed for the Golden Bear at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, demonstrating his continued relevance and artistic evolution. Across his oeuvre, Hers consistently exhibits a quiet yet profound cinematic voice, characterized by careful composition, naturalistic performances, and an enduring fascination with the fleeting moments that define human connection.