La Petite Dernière (Die jüngste Tochter)

Followed by a talk with Emilia Roig, moderated by Nastaran Tajeri-Foumani.

A poignant coming-of-age drama that follows Fatima, the youngest daughter in a French-Algerian family living in the Parisian suburbs, as she leaves her close-knit home to study philosophy at university. New horizons awaken her attraction to women and with it, inner turmoil.

The film traces Fatima's tentative exploration of her sexuality in seasonal chapters. Alongside being tenderly guided by her first serious relationship, a Korean nurse named Ji-Na, she also seeks counsel from an imam who responds with a mixture of kindness and dogma.
Throughout, Herzi subverts cliche depictions, portraying Fatima's family not as a source of hostility, but of complex, loving support. In doing so, the film becomes a meditation on how each of us must find the courage to shirk off expectation and forge a path that honors all facets of our identities.

Emila writes:
For me, "La petite dernière" is an important film because it tells stories of inner conflicts—often invisible ones—with great tenderness and clarity. It shows how identity, desire, family, and societal expectations intertwine, without simplifying or passing judgment. In this honesty and vulnerability, I recognize something deeply human—and also a part of myself.

Dr. Emilia Roig is a political scientist, author and one of the most influential voices for social justice, healing and social change in Germany. In her books and essays – including the bestsellers Why We Matter, Das Ende der Ehe, Lieben und LIEBER SOHN (The End of Marriage, Love and Dear Son) and So rettest du die Welt (How to Save the World) – she outlines new visions for a freer, more loving and more just society. She teaches at universities and speaks at conferences and on stages across Europe on topics such as feminism, racism, structural discrimination and collective transformation.

Nastaran Tajeri-Foumani moderates, curates and is active in art, culture and research. Nastaran has 20 years of experience in film and media and has been active in various positions since 2013, including at XPOSED Queer Film Festival, and has been involved in film productions internationally as a diversity, awareness and wellbeing coach since 2022.