Published on November 9, 2026, by the ESRA Group
A bountiful haul of awards for Louis-Julien Petit (ESRA 2004) at the 2026 Sarlat Film Festival. His new feature film, *En haut de la pile*, won two of the top prizes at this 35th edition: the Golden Salamander Audience Award and the Golden Salamander High School Students’ Award. Actor Anthony Bajon also received an acting award for his role in the film.
This marks yet another accolade for the director of *Discount*, *Les Invisibles*, and *La Brigade*, who is an alumnus of ESRA.
Two Golden Salamanders for *En haut de la pile*
The 35th edition of the Sarlat Film Festival came to a close on November 7, 2026, with *En haut de la pile* proving a great success. Louis-Julien Petit’s new film was awarded both the Audience Choice Golden Salamander and the High School Students’ Choice Golden Salamander.
In addition to these two awards, the Golden Salamander for Acting was awarded by the youth jury to Anthony Bajon for his performance in the film, tied with Céleste Brunnquell for *L’Une des leurs*. The complete list of winners can be found on Le Polyester.
Three awards for the film have placed *En haut de la pile* among the most notable works of the 2026 edition.
At the top of the list: a desire for a family at the heart of the story
In *En haut de la pile*, Louis-Julien Petit tells the storyof Arthur and Maxime, a couple who dream of becoming parents and find themselves willing to cross the line of the law to make it happen. Their friends and family then decide to get involved, bringing their own convictions and ideas—which aren’t always the best.
The director brings together Anthony Bajon, Aliocha Schneider, Corinne Masiero, Alexandra Lamy, and Yvan Attal on screen. Louis-Julien Petit also co-wrote the screenplay with Delphine Gleize.
Produced by Gaumont, the film will be released in French theaters on January 6, 2027. The page for the film *En haut de la pile* provides a synopsis, the cast, and the first images.
Louis-Julien Petit: Filmmaking Focused on Social Issues
A former ESRA student, Louis-Julien Petit (ESRA 2004) has established himself through his films as a director and screenwriter committed to human stories and social realities. His career is also featured in the ESRA Hall of Fame.
He directed *Discount*, *Les Invisibles *, and *La Brigade*, among others, and is currently working on *En haut de la pile*.
In this new film, Louis-Julien Petit explores a gay couple’s desire to become parents and the obstacles they face in starting a family.
ESRA is also featured on Sarlat’s list of winners
Membership can be purchased directly online on the Friends of the Louvre website using an ESRA-specific partner code. This code is provided to students, and the 2026 edition was also marked by the ESRA “Coup de cœur” Award, which was presented to the short film *La Petite école*by Alice Voisin.
Every year, the Sarlat Film Festival brings together numerous film industry professionals and aspiring actors for preview screenings and meet-and-greets. This year, *En haut de la pile* was included in the Sarlat Film Festival’s official selection.
Another Award for an ESRA Alumnus
More than twenty years after his time at ESRA, Louis-Julien Petit continues on a path marked by films that place human journeys at the heart of the narrative.
With the two Golden Salamanders won by *En haut de la pile* at the Sarlat Film Festival, his new feature film is receiving a particularly encouraging reception just a few weeks before its theatrical release.
The ESRA Group extends its heartfelt congratulations to Louis-Julien Petit and the entire film crew on these awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards did *En haut de la pile* win at the 2026 Sarlat Film Festival?
Louis-Julien Petit’s film won the Golden Salamander Audience Award and the Golden Salamander High School Students’ Award. Anthony Bajon also received the Golden Salamander Award for Acting, presented by the youth jury.
When is *En haut de la pile* coming out in theaters?
The film will be released in French theaters on January 6, 2027.
Who stars in *En haut de la pile*?
The film features, among others , Anthony Bajon, Aliocha Schneider, Corinne Masiero, Alexandra Lamy, and Yvan Attal.
What movies has Louis-Julien Petit directed?
Louis-Julien Petit has directed films such as *Discount*, *Les Invisibles*, *La Brigade*, and *En haut de la pile*.
Top of the Pile at a Glance
Directed by: Louis-Julien Petit
Screenplay by: Louis-Julien Petit and Delphine Gleize
Starring: Anthony Bajon, Aliocha Schneider, Corinne Masiero, Alexandra Lamy, and Yvan Attal
Theatrical release: January 6, 2027
2026 Sarlat Film Festival: Golden Salamander Audience Award and Golden Salamander High School Students’ Award
