Full Breakdown
Hafsia Herzi's Upcoming Projects: "La Foudre" and "Adèle"
1/21/2026, 8:21:14 PM
Overview of Upcoming Film Projects
Hafsia Herzi, the acclaimed actor-director, is set to star in "La Foudre" ("Lightning"), directed by Arnaud and Jean-Marie Larrieu. This film, adapted from Pierric Bailly’s 2023 novel, revolves around a love triangle in the shepherding community of the Haut-Jura mountains, triggered by a murder accusation against a young man. This project marks the Larrieu brothers’ second adaptation of Bailly's work, following "Jim’s Story," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned Karim Leklou the César for Best Actor in 2025. On the same night, Herzi won the César for Best Actress for her role in "Borgo."
In addition to "La Foudre," Herzi is developing a literary adaptation of Leïla Slimani’s novel "Adèle" (original title "Dans le jardin de l’ogre"), a project she has been attached to since 2021. Herzi has expressed her intention to take her time with this directorial outing, indicating a need to recharge after a demanding year.
Recent Achievements and Challenges
The past year has been particularly significant for Herzi. She not only won a César for Best Actress but also made her mark at Cannes with her film "The Little Sister," which explores the life of a young woman balancing her devout Muslim faith with her identity as a lesbian. This film received the Queer Palm and the Best Actress prize for newcomer Nadia Melliti, and it also won the prestigious Louis-Delluc Prize, a notable honor in French cinema.
Despite the accolades, Herzi faced challenges, including threats and harassment directed at her and her cast during the promotional tour for "The Little Sister." She noted, “I didn’t want to talk about it too much when the film came out, so as not to draw attention, but we received several threats. Nadia herself was really harassed, and we had to have extra security at every premiere.” While acknowledging the negative reactions, she emphasized that the overall response was more positive than hostile, stating, “That negative reaction was a small percentage, and there was ultimately far more goodwill than hostility — but still, it wasn’t easy.”
Official Statements & Responses
Herzi has been candid about the difficulties faced during the production and promotion of her films. She remarked on the challenges of financing, stating, “I was even told that this kind of story wasn’t realistic. That only made me fight harder.” Her determination reflects her commitment to telling stories that resonate with underrepresented communities.
What's Next for Hafsia Herzi
Looking ahead, Herzi is poised to continue her multifaceted career in film, balancing acting and directing. With "La Foudre" set to release soon and the adaptation of "Adèle" in development, her trajectory in the film industry remains promising as she navigates both creative pursuits and the complexities of public reception.
