Red Star (2020)
A quietly powerful French short film about one man's dignity, community, and the fragile safety net beneath his feet.
Red Star - Movie Information
- Original Title: Étoile rouge
- Release Year: 2020
- Directed by: Yohan Manca
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 21m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 1, 2020 (France)
- Production Countries: France
Red Star - Plot
Adel is a 57-year-old man. He dedicates all his time to his local soccer club, and gets by doing temporary work. Then he learns that he is no longer eligible for the government's low income benefit.
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Red Star - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yohan Manca
Main Cast
- Abel Jafri
- Judith Chemla
- Sofian Khammes
- Antoine Burlet
- Sandra Codreanu
- Vincent Debost
- Matthias Jacquin
- François Créton
- Sébastien Houbani
- Makita Samba
Writers
- Yohan Manca
Producers
- Nérimen Hadrami
- Elsa Rakotoson
- Pauline Attal
- Yohan Manca
Red Star - FAQs
What is Red Star about?
Red Star follows Adel, a 57-year-old man who pours his heart into his local soccer club while getting by on temporary work. When he discovers he no longer qualifies for the government's low-income benefit, his fragile stability is suddenly thrown into question. It's a quiet, affecting portrait of dignity under pressure.
Is Red Star a short film?
Yes, Red Star is a short film with a runtime of just 21 minutes. Despite its brevity, it delivers a fully realized character study, centering on one man's struggle with economic precarity and the community ties that keep him grounded.
Who directed Red Star and what is his background?
Red Star was written and directed by Yohan Manca, a French filmmaker known for his sensitive portrayals of working-class life. He later went on to direct the acclaimed feature Nos cérémonies (2022), which confirmed his talent for emotionally grounded, socially aware storytelling.
Who plays Adel in Red Star?
Adel is played by Abel Jafri, a French actor with a strong presence in both film and television. He brings quiet intensity to the role, making Adel's vulnerability and resilience feel entirely believable. The supporting cast includes Judith Chemla, Sofian Khammes, and Makita Samba.
Where can you watch Red Star online?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for Red Star on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Streaming availability for short films can change frequently, so JustWatch is your best bet for up-to-date information.
What themes does Red Star explore?
Red Star digs into themes of social precarity, belonging, and the quiet dignity of working-class life. Adel's attachment to his soccer club becomes a symbol of community and identity — the one constant in a life increasingly destabilized by economic hardship and bureaucratic indifference.
What language is Red Star in?
Red Star is a French-language film, produced in France. If you're watching outside a French-speaking country, you'll likely need subtitles. The film's naturalistic dialogue and authentic setting are very much rooted in contemporary French social reality.
What films are similar to Red Star?
If Red Star resonates with you, you might enjoy other short dramas like The Neighbors' Window (2019) or Anuja (2024), both of which share its emotional intimacy. For feature-length films in a similar vein, Hardball (2001) and Come Sunday (2018) explore community, faith, and resilience in comparable ways.
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