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On The Adamant

Directed by Nicolas Philibert

2023

France, Japan

109 minutes

Unclassified 15+

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Berlinale’s 2023 Golden Bear was awarded to documentarian Nicolas Philibert (To Be and To Have) for his moving portrait of a floating Parisian day-care centre for people with mental health difficulties.

The Adamant is moored on the Seine in the centre of Paris. An unusual setting for a health centre but perhaps one that suits its distinctive approach. Visitors to the light-filled vessel will find a respectful and compassionate environment, a place to sing or discuss movies, and everyone has a say in the day-to-day activities. This sense of hearing every voice, of seeing people as individuals, has long been an element of Philibert’s work in films such as In the Land of the Deaf (SFF 1994) and Every Little Thing (SFF 1997). So too his patient observations, usually over a long period of time, building trust along with remarkable insight.

There is a gentle and very happy sense of freedom and possibility aboard the Adamant, and there is enormous warmth, sympathy and human curiosity in this film.

Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

[Philibert’s] engaging and affirmative new film will be warmly appreciated at festivals and on adventurous outlets – anywhere, essentially, where people are interested in discovering other people.

Jonathan Romney, Screen International

The director turns a center for mental illness into a kingdom.

Le Monde