La Belle Année | Sydney Film Festival 2026
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Date Reviewed: 03/06/2026
There are two quite disparate stories at the heart of the Sydney Film Festival documentary, “La Belle Année.” One is about the passing of the filmmaker’s father and the aftermath of that. The other is about reconnecting with a teacher from the past. This documentary film is one that is lacking confidence and overall appeal, as the two parts never really come together.
Filmmaker, Angelica Ruffier might argue that she is looking back and contemplating her childhood. But if feels like this narrative has been really forced or tacked on. Shoehorning the two different ideas does not make a cohesive or united story. In fact, it just feels like a couple of distinct pieces.
Ruffier and her brother Tom are tasked with the large and unenviable task of cleaning out their dad’s house. The pair share a warm and loving relationship. This affection is more conflicted as they sit back and reminisce about their aggressive and volatile Dad. He is responsible for them having to leave France and live in Sweden, as a means of escape).
Amongst their father’s papers, Ruffier finds some old journals. These are the catalyst that make her think about her old teacher, Mademoiselle Bresson. Passages from these appear in the film along with old home movies and observational scenes from the present day. It makes for some really quiet, unassuming viewing and often a rather dull affair.
“La Belle Année” is ultimately one woman’s story looking back on her childhood through the lens of the present day. It’s an intimate one that fails to really cut through because you don’t really find yourself empathising with the central character or the subject matter. This film is one that is far too quiet and boring for its own good. It perhaps would have made two better short films rather than an overlong debut feature.
By: Natalie Salvo