A Season in France

In 2016, Abbas Mahadjir, a French teacher from the Central African Republic, narrowly escapes the brutal civil wars tearing his homeland apart. Along with his family, he embarks on a dangerous journey to save their lives, haunted by the memories of his wife's tragic death during their flight.

Abbas and his children, Asma and Yacine, settle in the suburbs of Paris, where they attempt to adapt to their new life. Amidst cultural challenges, Abbas strives to support his family, creating a fragile life filled with both hope and uncertainty.

To provide for his family, Abbas takes a job at a bustling fruit and flower market. However, the instability of his living situation, as he constantly moves between borrowed and rented homes, adds to the challenges he faces.

While working at the market, Abbas meets Carole, a talented florist of Polish descent. Their relationship blossoms amidst the chaos of Abbas's life, as they both seek connection and solace in each other's company.

Abbas's hopes for a stable future are shattered when his asylum application is denied by the OFPRA. This rejection forces him to face the grim reality of being unable to provide legal protection for himself and his children.

Following the appeal rejection, Abbas receives an 'obligation to leave' notice, giving him only 30 days to vacate. With no job and no permanent home, the weight of his situation becomes increasingly unbearable for him and his children.

As their situation deteriorates, Abbas and his children find refuge with Carole, who offers them temporary shelter. This act of kindness highlights the bond that has developed between them but also complicates Carole's life significantly.

Abbas's brother, a former philosophy lecturer, faces a similar fate with his asylum request. In a heartfelt but desperate act, he self-immolates at the immigration office, which adds to the despair that Abbas feels as he witnesses yet another tragedy.

As the 30-day deadline approaches, Abbas becomes engulfed in unbearable distress over the future of his children. Despite having one last chance to file an appeal, he feels compelled to prioritize their safety above all else.

In a desperate bid for freedom and safety, Abbas chooses to flee with his children, abandoning the hope of legal recourse. As they disappear without a trace, the fear of deportation looms heavily over them.

The situation escalates when the police summon Carole and warn her about the dangers of aiding Abbas and his family. This news adds a layer of dread to Carole's efforts to help them, prompting her to realize the serious implications of their precarious situation.

Heartbroken by Abbas's disappearance, Carole begins a desperate search for him and his children. She heads to the Calais Jungle migrant camp, hoping to find some trace of them, only to discover that the camp has been cleared just hours before her arrival.