AFFFF26: Guru

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

Gourou

At a time when faith in politics has eroded and religion no longer provides answers, Mathieu Vasseur, known as “Matt” (Pierre Niney, The Count of Monte Cristo, AF FFF25), has become the most followed personal development coach in France. On stage, he offers clarity, empowerment and catharsis, orchestrating seminars that electrify crowds and promise transformation.

Behind the carefully crafted image, however, lies a far more troubling reality. As Matt’s influence grows, so do the mechanisms of control that bind his followers to him. Emotional dependence replaces self-discovery, and persuasion quietly turns into psychological domination. What begins as a collective quest for meaning gradually reveals the darker side of a system built on power, fascination, and submission.

Directed by Yann Gozlan (Black Box, AF FFF21), the film follows Matt as he becomes surrounded by a loyal inner circle while drawing increasing scrutiny from critics and authorities alike. His ascent turns perilous, edging towards obsession, manipulation, and collapse. How far can a guru go before his promise of liberation becomes a loss of freedom?

Also starring Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon and Holt McCallany, GURU is a tense psychological thriller that offers a sharp and unsettling exploration of influence in the modern age, exposing how easily the search for guidance can slide into control. A gripping descent you won’t want to look away from!