After pursuing a degree in cinema studies at the University of Montreal, and a Master’s in screenwriting at the Sorbonne, Julien Menanteau directed his first short fiction film in 2016. Winner of the Beaumarchais SACD screenwriting grant, Rikishi also received the CNC Quality Award. In 2018, he directed Samaritain, a documentary shot in Palestine over a period of 2 years. Broadcast on French Televisions, the film was awarded the Etoile de la SCAM. In 2019 he joined the Fémis Screenwriting workshop. Receiving an author’s grant from the CNC in 2022, he shot Palestine Islands, a short film for ARTE television, which was awarded the Unifrance Jury Prize in 2024. His first feature film, Lads, set in the horseracing world, and produced by Gloria Films, will be released on March 19 th , 2025.
Ethan has started a jockey apprenticeship at a steeplechase stable, the most dangerous type of horse racing. In contact with thoroughbreds, he discovers the racing world, betting, money, and wealth. His passion grows as quickly as his frustration. He races to win but is always at someone else’s beck and call. Soon, he will have to make a choice: break the rules or save his own skin.
Marco Luraschi, Jeanne Balibar, Marc Barbé, Phénix Brossard, Léon Vitale, Ethelle Gonzalez Lardued
DoP Julien Ramirez Editor Manon Falise Music Jack Bartman Sound Design Romain Cadilhac
Laurent Lavolé
Julien Menanteau, Nour Ben Salem