The First Day of the Rest of Your Life (Le premier jour du reste de ta vie)

Le premier jour du reste de ta vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life), a 2008 French comedy-drama written and directed by Rémi Bezançon, follows a middle-class family of five over nearly twelve years, told through five decisive days that alter the course of their lives. Its episodic structure gives each family member a personal turning point, approaching universal moments such as growing up, leaving home and coming back together with warmth and humour.

Produced by Mandarin with partners including Canal+ and France 2, the film stars Jacques Gamblin, Zabou Breitman, Déborah François, Marc-André Grondin and Pio Marmaï. A box-office success in France, it drew praise from critics for its unconventional storytelling and music, and earned nine César Award nominations, winning three: Best Editing, Most Promising Actor and Most Promising Actress. Its popularity also inspired a wave of similar family portraits in French cinema.