Céline Sciamma (Water Lilies, Tomboy) continues her exploration of female youth with this, her triumphant third film. It focuses on Marieme (outstanding newcomer Karidja Touré), a 16-year old growing up on one of the dicey banlieue neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Paris. Terrorised by her older brother and rejected by high school, she falls in with a gang of three tough, leather-jacketed local girls led with cool authority by Lady. Here she learns to steal, fight, drink, and – above all – stand up for her herself, acknowledge her desires, and have fun. With the gang she feels brave, protected and understood. The transformation from shy Marieme to assertive gang member is complete when Lady christens her Vic, for victoire (victory), and she soon advances to bigger crimes.

Girlhood manages to take two of film’s most contemporary themes – a teenage girl’s coming of age and gang culture – and avoid all of the clichés, making you feel like you’ve never seen either of them before on screen. Riveting and authentic and set to a punchy soundtrack of electropop and hip hop, it celebrates the energy and passion of young women and sisterhood.

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