Breaking Boundaries: “The Little Sister” Triumphs at the Queer Palm 2025 in Cannes

 

The Queer Palm 2025 lit up the Cannes Film Festival with a powerful celebration of queer storytelling, awarding The Little Sister (La Petite Dernière) by Hafsia Herzi the coveted prize. This moving French-German drama, adapted from Fatima Daas’s acclaimed novel The Last One, follows a young woman from an Algerian immigrant family in Paris as she confronts her sexual identity in the face of deep-rooted cultural and religious expectations.

Newcomer Nadia Melliti captivated audiences with her portrayal of the conflicted lead, earning the Best Actress award alongside the film’s Queer Palm win. The film’s deeply personal and politically resonant narrative struck a chord with the jury and festival goers alike.

In the short film category, Italian filmmaker Sandra Lazzarini took home the Queer Palm for Bianca, a poetic and intimate portrait of an elderly woman that redefines the gaze on female beauty, aging, and desire. The short stood out for its quiet strength and visual grace, embodying the spirit of queer cinema beyond stereotypes.

As the Queer Palm marks its 15th anniversary, the 2025 edition reaffirmed its mission to spotlight bold, inclusive storytelling from around the world. Founded in 2010, the award continues to honor films across Cannes selections that challenge gender norms, explore LGBTQIA+ experiences, and expand the boundaries of cinema.

 

This year’s winners didn’t just reflect diversity—they redefined it.