Young Mothers () is a 2025 drama film written, directed and produced by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Starring Lucie Laruelle, Babette Verbeek, Elsa Houben, Janaïna Halloy Fokan and Samia Hilmi.
The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 23 May 2025, where it won the Best Screenplay prize and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury.
Premise.
Five young mothers; Jessica, Perla, Julie, Naïma and Ariane and their children are housed in a centre for young mothers.
Production.
The film is produced by the Dardenne Brothers alongside Delphine Tomson for Les Films du Fleuve, in co-production with Archipel 35 and The Reunion. It received funding from Walloon regional investment fund Wallimage. In March 2025, the film title was reported as "Young Mothers".
Filming took place in Banneux in Wallonia in August 2024.
Release.
Young Mothers was selected to have its world premiere in the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. After its screening, on 23 May 2025, the film received a 10 minutes standing ovation. It was awarded the Best Screenplay prize, alongside the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury.