Julien Royal’s (ESRA 2008) new film, “Bagarre,” is now playing in theaters

April 2026
JR website

Julien Royal’s new film, co-written with Nassim Lyes (ESRA 2008), opens in theaters today, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This theatrical release marks a significant milestone in the director’s career, representing the realization of an artistic project destined to reach its audience.

A story driven by a conflicted character

The film centers on Naïm, a complex character caught up in a dynamic he knows all too well: that of an environment where violence is the norm.

Accustomed to responding to tension with confrontation, he operates within a system where conflicts are resolved head-on, without beating around the bush. Yet, as the story unfolds, a transformation begins.

Little by little, another path seems possible.

This gradual shift gives the film its depth, as it explores:

  • The Mechanisms of Internalized Violence
  • The influence ofthe social environment
  • The challenge of changing course
  • The emergence of a personal alternative

A nuanced look at the choices that shape a life.

A work rooted in its time

With this project, Julien Royal presents a film that is both energetic and accessible, appealing to a wide audience while addressing contemporary issues.

Balancing dramatic tension with touches of humor, the film strikes a balance that allows it to explore its themes without ever becoming heavy-handed.

This profoundly contemporary question resonates with today’s social and personal realities.

A movie you should check out right now

The movie is currently playing in theaters!

An opportunity to discover a contemporary work by a former ESRA student and to follow the evolution of an artistic journey that has unfolded over time.

Julien Royal (French version)

Latest news

ESRA Paris Has Also Been Awarded the RECA Label

ESRA Paris Has Also Been Awarded the RECA Label

The Network of French Animation Film Schools (RECA) has awarded its certification to ESRA Paris for a maximum period of five years. This certification recognizes the quality of the animation film program offered at the Paris campus and the school’s commitment to its students.