Tenderness

In the heart of Paris, George, a 20-year-old university student, grapples with the pressures of expectation and self-doubt. Raised in a loving yet demanding family, he has become an overthinker who questions his every move, seeking success through rigorous discipline—though not necessarily passion. His days are filled with intense workouts and superficial routines that leave him feeling empty and isolated.

As George struggles with the emotional weight of trying to meet external standards, a simple yet profound conversation with his closest friend, Michael, challenges his understanding of success and happiness. This pivotal moment, coupled with the serene escapism he finds at a piano, sparks a journey of self-discovery. George begins to explore the tender passions that stir within, realizing that the path to fulfillment isn't through rigid self-control but through embracing his vulnerabilities.

His transformation is mirrored in the rainy, poetic streets of Paris and the calmness of his movements, contrasting his earlier tension. A brief, meaningful encounter with Sophie, a woman who embodies tenderness and acceptance, helps George see that real connections are forged not through perfection but through shared imperfections.

"Tendresse" is a poetic exploration of self-acceptance and emotional growth, portraying the beauty of becoming who you are meant to be. In just 15 minutes, it captures the essence of life's struggles and the profound peace that comes from finding true inner strength. As George learns to live authentically, he inspires us to do the same, reminding us that sometimes, the strength we seek is already within—waiting to be acknowledged and embraced.

  • Ghali KABBAJ
    Director
    90 days sober (Short), Clockwork (Short), Badblood (Short), Sorry (Short)
  • Ghali KABBAJ
    Writer
    90 days sober (Short), Clockwork (Short), Badblood (Short), Sorry (Short)
  • Adam AYACH
    Writer
  • Ghali KABBAJ
    Producer
    90 days sober (Short), Clockwork (Short), Badblood (Short), Sorry (Short)
  • Ghali KABBAJ
    Key Cast
    "GEORGE MARCEAU"
    90 days sober (Short), Clockwork (Short), Badblood (Short), Sorry (Short)
  • Adam AYACH
    Key Cast
    "MICHAEL DUBOIS"
  • Martin ENZENBERGER
    Key Cast
    "MARTIN MARCEAU "
  • Noa LATOUR
    Key Cast
    "SOPHIE LEFEVRE"
  • Nicholas Yger   
    Director of Photography
  • Athénaïs NAVET
    Assistant Camera
  • Jean-Baptiste SOUBIN
    Chief picture editor
  • Jad KABBAJ
    Chief sound operator
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 3, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    France, Morocco
  • Country of Filming:
    France
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital (35.6 x 23.8 m)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ghali KABBAJ

Ghali Kabbaj is a Moroccan-born actor and filmmaker driven by a lifelong passion for cinema. From childhood performances on local stages to professional acting training around the worldincluding Togo, Singapore, London, and Italy; he has immersed himself in diverse cultures and storytelling traditions. Seeking to bring his own narratives to life, Ghali embraced the role of director, inspired by the belief that film can unite audiences through kindness and shared humanity.

Currently studying at the renowned Cours Florent in Paris the largest acting and cinema school in France; Ghali refines his craft under some of the most respected names in European theater and screen. His international upbringing fuels his mission to bridge cultural gaps, and his work often focuses on the tenderness that arises from honest, human connection. Through heartfelt stories and nuanced performances, Ghali invites viewers to look beyond differences and rediscover their common ground.

Hardworking and relentless in his ambition, Ghali’s ultimate goal is to inspire a spirit of empathy that transcends borders. Whether on set or behind the camera, he channels his personal experiences into cinematic tales that highlight compassion, resilience, and the power of embracing one’s own vulnerability. He believes that through the gentle magic of filmmaking, he can help audiences see that a shared moment of kindness can illuminate even the darkest of challenges.

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Director Statement

“Tenderness” is my invitation for people to pause, breathe, and rediscover the gentle power of empathy. In a world often caught up in noise and ambition, I believe true courage lies in showing vulnerability, kindness, and the delicate layers of our shared humanity. Through this film, I seek to illuminate those moments where hearts openwhere one simple act of understanding can spark a change far greater than we ever imagined.

Coming from Morocco, a land rich in crossroads between cultures, I’ve always been inspired to tell stories that transcend borders. My passion for acting and filmmaking was born from witnessing how tales, when told with sincerity and depth, can bridge vast cultural gaps. I have lived across Togo, Singapore, France, the UK, and Italy, each place imprinting new perspectives on my heart. In these journeys, I’ve seen that kindness is the universal languagespoken in different tongues yet felt identically in every corner of the globe.

I pour myself into every frame of “Tenderness” because I believe in storytelling’s power to heal and unite. My ambition, as both an actor and a filmmaker, is to offer narratives that reflect voices often overlooked and experiences that remind us we are far more alike than we are different. I work tirelessly at my craft, hoping someone will trust in me as I strive to become a beacon for underrepresented communitiesparticularly from my homelandand to shine their stories on a global stage.

If there’s one message I hope resonates through “Tenderness,” it’s that gentleness and understanding can spark profound change. I’m ready to take on any challenge to share this visioncontinuously learning, growing, and pushing creative boundariesbecause I’ve experienced firsthand how one honest gesture of care can tear down walls between people. My hope is that each viewer, after watching, will carry a little more compassion in their heart, and remember that even the smallest flicker of tenderness can light the way for us all.