Patrick Grandperret
France 2002 35mm 90min. french o.v. english s-t.

Set amidst the splendour of an oceanside French summer camp, this poignant coming-of-age story deftly captures the curiosity, bravado and often unkind dynamics of teens and their cliques. Clara and Zoe are best friends, but unlike Zoe, Clara isn’t ready to explore romance. Zoe finds an instant place in the cool kids’ pack, gets a boyfriend and joins in ostracizing shy Clara. Clara finds comfort in glamorous Sonia, a confident, sophisticated young woman who is not afraid of her bisexuality. Their frank talks eventually lead to sex and Sonia helps Clara learn to express her own sensuality and self-awareness. With all the drama, lust, cruelty and manipulation that is inherent to adolescence, Clara cet été-là takes us on an unforgettable journey through teenage torment and the bravery and discovery that this tender but confusing age embodies.