Filmmaker Follows Farm Boy's Dream for a Decade

Maxence Voiseux's debut documentary, Gabin, captures a decade of a young man's life in rural northern France. The film chronicles Gabin's internal conflict between continuing his family's farm and butcher shop legacy and pursuing his own dreams.

The documentary, world premiering in the Cannes Directors' Fortnight on Thursday, May 14, 2026, is set in the Artois region, which faces globalization and economic hardship. Voiseux, who has roots in the area, filmed Gabin from age 8 to 18.

Voiseux spent considerable time building trust, leading to intimate exchanges that sometimes blurred the lines between life and cinema. Gabin even introduced the filmmaker as a cousin, fostering a familial bond.

After years of filming, Gabin visited Voiseux in Paris, solidifying their bond from cousins to brothers. The filmmaker screened the completed film for Gabin in Canada, moving the young man to tears.

Gabin felt accurately represented, appreciating the film's precision and emotional depth. Voiseux believes that specific local stories can achieve universal resonance, hoping Gabin's journey of emancipation and loyalty connects with global audiences.