The story behind French-Jewish directing partners’ film ‘Just An Illusion’ - interview

French-Jewish directing partners Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache release their most personal film, 'Just An Illusion,' in Israel. The semi-autobiographical story follows a Mizrahi Jewish family in 1980s Paris, exploring identity, adolescence, and family bonds against a backdrop of rising antisemitism. The film, dedicated to their late fathers, has sold over two million tickets in France.

French-Jewish directing partners Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache have released their most personal film, 'Just An Illusion,' now playing in theaters throughout Israel. The semi-autobiographical story centers on a Mizrahi Jewish family in a Paris suburb during the 1980s, told against the backdrop of rising antisemitism in France and worldwide. The film features their trademark humanity, with perfectly cast roles including Camille Cottin and Louis Garrel. The story follows Vincent, a shy teen navigating adolescence, bar mitzvah preparations, and family dynamics. The directors, who first met as children and have collaborated for over 30 years, drew from their own lives: Toledano's parents were Moroccan immigrants, Nakache's from Algeria. The film is dedicated to both of their fathers, who passed away during production. Toledano noted the film's release during a time of rising antisemitism, saying they wanted to show 'how normal we are.' The soundtrack includes songs by Joy Division, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Cure, and The Alan Parsons Project. The film has sold over two million tickets in France.