Directed by Virginie Plaut, Youcef Khemane • Documentary • 2025 • 58 minutes

At age 20, Guillaume Diop risked his career to sign a manifesto against racism at the Paris Opera. But just three years later, he was named a Danseur Étoile — a star dancer — in the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the world’s most prestigious companies.

As the first Black Danseur Étoile, Guillaume is thrust into becoming a role model and a national symbol for diversity. But, as YOUNG, BLACK AND GIFTED shows us, in intimate conversations with family and friends, he sometimes questions whether he is ready for this responsibility. Guillaume is not the only Paris Opera performer breaking barriers. We also meet double-bassist Sulivan Loiseau, the first Black musician to join the Opera’s orchestra.

YOUNG, BLACK AND GIFTED gives us a revealing, behind-the-scenes look at the Paris Opera, over the course of a year. In rare rehearsal footage, performers prepare for a production of The Nutcracker — in which Guillaume will be the first Paris Opera dancer to wear cornrows. Meanwhile, in the boardrooms, the organization’s creative leadership holds spirited discussions on what it means to truly include dancers who reflect the diversity of today's France, and not just make cosmetic changes.

As the show comes together, Sulivan and Guillaume come to terms with their newfound fame, and recognize how they can use it to help others on the same path.