Toni

From The Distrib Films Collection

Directed by Nathan Ambrosioni

95 minutes / Color
French / English subtitles
Release: 2024
Copyright: 2023

film poster

Twenty years ago, Toni (Camille Cottin, star of Call My Agent) was on the verge of pop stardom with a chart-topping single. Though she still performs at local bars to support her family, Toni’s dreams of fame have long since faded with the obligations of parenthood. Now, at 43, her life revolves around raising her five teenage children as a single parent, itself a full-time job. But as her two eldest children prepare to leave for university, Toni’s familiar domestic routines are suddenly called into question. After years of putting her family first, what would it mean to pursue her own future? Grounded by Camille Cottin’s quietly moving performance, director Nathan Ambrosioni’s sophomore feature, TONI, is a richly observed character study of life in transition.

“A standout for this season, ‘Toni’ is a work of great maturity from such a young filmmaker with undeniable talent.” —CNews

“At just 24 years old, director Nathan Ambrosioni crafts both a poignant portrait of a woman and a moving family tableau, displaying remarkable accuracy and delicacy.” —Franceinfo Culture

“A funny, touching, intelligent, and feminist family chronicle that explores many aspects of adolescent firsts, the challenges of that age, the mental burden of single mothers, sibling dynamics, and the strong yet fragile bonds between parents and adolescents.” —Marie Claire

“The generosity of ‘Toni’ owes much to the radiant performance of Camille Cottin.” —20 Minutes

“A delightful and emotional film about the daily life of a single mother, the ingratitude of children, and the torrents of love that flow between them. A success.” —BIBA

“Charming.” —Femme Actuelle

“The second film by this young filmmaker is an exciting comedy of second chances. Colorful, noisy, and energetic.” —L’Obs

“Lively, touching, and funny.” —Le Figaro

“At just 23 years old, Nathan Ambrosioni brilliantly shows the contradictions of a 40-year-old single mother who does her best to raise her five children. In the title role, Camille Cottin is full of tenderness and infectious energy.” —Les Fiches du Cinéma

“A beautiful, hopeful film.” —Positif

Other Ways to Watch

Individuals

Home use DVD for $26.98

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals, and Corporations

Purchase DVD for $245.00

Credits

A film by Nathan Ambrosioni

Starring Camille Cottin

Select Accolades

  • Alliance Française French Film Festival 2024
  • Cork French Film Festival 2024
  • Rendez-Vous with French Cinema 2024
  • Princeton French Film Festival 2024
  • Sun & Stars International Film Festival 2024
  • Dublin international Film Festival 2024
  • Festival del Cinema Europeo 2023

RELATED TITLES

A young woman refuses to attend her husband's funeral and goes on a road trip with her son and sister instead. During this improvised trip, they will rediscover each other and relearn freedom.

Guillaume Gouix | 2024 | 80 minutes | Color | French | English subtitles

The lives of foster parents Anna and Driss are upended when their foster son's biological father resurfaces and attempts to regain custody.

Fabien Gorgeart | 2022 | 100 minutes | Color | French | English subtitles

In this Parisian bittersweet romance from Cédric Klapisch, warehouse employee Rémy (François Civil) and research assistant Mélanie (Ana Girardot) have never met, but they live parallel lives.

Cédric Klapisch | 2019 | 110 minutes | Color | French | English subtitles

This tender coming-of-age story follows a teenage girl who begins a relationship with her friend's brother.

Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan | 2023 | 108 minutes | Color | French | English subtitles

A positive pregnancy test causes a family's life to unravel.

Emmanuel Poulain-Arnaud | 2022 | 80 minutes | Color | French | English subtitles