Flesh & Fuel (Du Fioul Dans les Artères)

French truck driver Etienne leads a solitary life on the road. When he meets Bartosz, a Polish trucker, his solitary routine is turned upside down. As feelings develop, he struggles to balance his demanding job with a chance at intimacy and tenderness.

Confident, tender and unapologetically sensual, Flesh & Fuel is a remarkably assured first feature, outstanding screenplay and Le Gall’s affectionate gaze carry the talented cast to greatness. Alexis Manenti and Julian Swiezewski’s chemistry palpable in every glance, touch and hesitation and they give the romance an emotional weight that makes the film’s powerfully erotic scenes all the more affecting.

Within a soulless and demanding economic system that should condemn men to loneliness, Le Gall sees a light, and cautiously follows it with great instinct and intelligence. And warmth.

Winner of the Best Film award at the Zurich Film Festival and of the Queer Palm Best First-Time Director award in Cannes.

This film is eligible for the Spirit of the Festival Award for Best Film award and Best Screenplay.

This screening is supported by the French Embassy in Ireland.