During the riots in Paris in 2005, new police recruits from the impoverished suburbs wonder which camp they actually belong to: those of the French law enforcers or of their opposers

Unité – 2005, Paris is burning, or the banlieu, at least. Four police recruits stuck in an anti-riot squad van try to leave the dangerous neighbourhood as quickly as possible. Tension in the street is mounting, but also among the rookies, who were specially scouted for a reintegration programme. Why were they chosen for this mission? They wonder if their identity and descent will protect them in the case of an ambush. Or is a conflict of loyalties looming?

Unité is a political thriller that is based in the Banlieu, Paris. With this film I want to give the audience a claustrophobic experience. Something that is linear to what these boys go through in every day life. The moving confined space is a metaphor for the headspace of our hero Khalid. A brave search towards himself will lead him back to his own roots. Something that I think we can never escape. Half of the cast had no experience with acting, an unique combination with Lambert Wilson one of French’s biggest movie stars.

Unité is one of the finest examples of contained films, yet presenting a much bigger story than what we can see. That’s because director David-Jan Bronsgeest creates the ambiance outside the four walls. Sound design plays an immense role in this film, with the setting and progression happening away from our sight. Without seeing any of the riots we can truly feel the tensions transpiring, and we would also say that they are heightened due to the unknown.