The Barrière Foundation has awarded its Film Prize to Les Yeux Verts, the second feature film by filmmakers Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, produced by Julie Billy (June Films) and Carole Scotta (Haut et Court), and distributed by Haut et Court Distribution, under the direction of Laurence Petit. A sensitive and unique work that explores family ties, fragility, and the power of the imagination in the face of adversity.

During a special preview screening, the Barrière Foundation presented its 2026 Cinema Award to Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh for their film Les Yeux Verts, following their first joint success with Gagarine, released in 2021.

Co-written with Guillaume Laurant and featuring performances by Sayyid El Alami, Douae Butarbuch M’Zaouki, Anamaria Vartolomei, Arcadi Radeff, and Omar Al Jbaai, the film tells the story of 11-year-old Chaya, who tries to wake her brother—who has fallen into a mysterious sleep—upon learning of their family’s eviction. A story that blends reality and imagination, sensitively exploring family bonds and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Les Yeux Verts was selected as one of three finalists by a jury composed of Aure Atika, Damien Bonnard, Lucas Bravo, François Berléand, Mélanie Doutey, Pascal Elbé, and Bérengère Krief.

For the second consecutive year, the Cinema Prize is worth 40,000 euros, distributed among the various contributors to the film’s creation:

• 10,000 € for the filmmakers, Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, to support their creative work;

• €20,000 for the distribution company, Haut et Court Distribution, to support the film’s promotion;

• €10,000 for the producers, Julie Billy (June Films) and Carole Scotta (Haut et Court), in recognition of their essential role in bringing the project to fruition.

This grant reflects the Barrière Foundation’s commitment to supporting the entire creative process and helping works reach their audience.

A Commitment to Profoundly Human Cinema

For over 25 years, the Barrière Foundation has recognized works with diverse worlds and styles, yet all sharing a common focus on human journeys. Family relationships, passing on traditions, self-discovery, and resilience in the face of adversity: these are universal themes that run through its list of award winners and, over the years, have shaped a shared sensibility.

By honoring Les Yeux Verts, the Barrière Foundation reaffirms its commitment to cinema that explores the subtleties of human relationships and supports filmmakers whose unique perspectives enrich French filmmaking.

The film Les Yeux Verts will be released in theaters on November 11, 2026.

“The films that leave a lasting impression on us are not necessarily those that provide answers, but those that invite us to see the world differently. With Les Yeux Verts, Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh draw us into a world where reality and imagination converge to sensitively portray the strength of human bonds. This freedom of vision and storytelling is invaluable. Through its Cinema Award, the Barrière Foundation seeks to encourage the diversity of narratives and sensibilities that constitutes the true richness of cinema.” - Joy Desseigne-Barrière, President of the Barrière Foundation.

The Barrière Foundation Continues Its Support for Film Production

Founded in 1999 at the initiative of Diane Barrière, the Barrière Foundation carries on the historic bond that unites the Barrière Group with cinema. Today, it focuses its efforts on supporting emerging talent and filmmaking through the Film Prize and the NOUVELLES VAGUES – Barrière Foundation Grant, developed in partnership with the Biarritz Film Festival to assist pairs of directors and producers in developing their feature-length film projects.

Applications for the 2027 Film Prize are now open. Directors, producers, and distributors wishing to submit a project are invited to send their application to contact-fondation@fondationbarriere.com, in accordance with the submission guidelines available on the Foundation’s website.

For more information:

• View the Barrière Foundation press kit

• Review the application guidelines for the 2027 Cinema Award