Owning it 2021
Directed with sensitive realism by Nolwenn Lemesle, *Owning it (2021)* plunges us into the inspiring yet disorienting journey of fifteen-year-old Sanou as she steps far beyond the streets of Saint-Denis to claim a seat at Paris's prestigious Henri IV school.
Director: Nolwenn Lemesle
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Owning it (2021) about?
Sanou, a bright fifteen-year-old from Saint-Denis, moves to Paris to attend the prestigious Henri IV school, a world away from her neighborhood. As she navigates new social codes, academic pressures, and her own shifting identity, she must decide how much of herself she's willing to leave behind to belong.
Who directed Owning it?
Nolwenn Lemesle helmed this 2021 drama, bringing a nuanced, observational style to the story of Sanou's journey.
Who stars in Owning it?
The film features Tracy Gotoas in the lead role, supported by Fanta Kebe, Lucie Fagedet, Déborah François, and Tatiana Rojo.
Is Owning it (2021) worth watching?
While IMDb has not rated it, the film offers a refreshingly honest look at social mobility and teenage resilience. If you enjoy character-driven dramas with emotional authenticity, *Owning it* delivers a moving, thought-provoking experience.
How long is Owning it?
The runtime is 81 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Owning it (2021) — A coming-of-age drama of ambition and belonging
Directed with sensitive realism by Nolwenn Lemesle, *Owning it (2021)* plunges us into the inspiring yet disorienting journey of fifteen-year-old Sanou as she steps far beyond the streets of Saint-Denis to claim a seat at Paris's prestigious Henri IV school. From the moment she crosses the city's invisible line of privilege and opportunity, Sanou's story becomes a quietly powerful meditation on belonging, ambition, and the fragile courage it takes to rewrite your future. Lemesle crafts a grounded drama that lingers on the small but seismic shifts in identity, language, and self-trust, all unfolding under the high ceilings of a world that wasn't built for her.
This isn't a grand underdog tale with sweeping victories; it's an intimate, slice-of-life portrait where every glance from a classmate, every stumble over a vocabulary quiz, and every late-night phone call back home feels charged with the weight of possibility. With an ensemble led by the magnetic Tracy Gotoas in the central role, *Owning it* captures the quiet drama of cultural translation and the quiet defiance of claiming a place that wasn't meant for you—one carefully chosen word, one brave step at a time.