The idea for 'DAMMI' emerged during a conversation between Yann Mounir Demange and Alexandre Mattiussi, the founder of AMI, during the lockdown. Alexandre expressed a desire to create a film and subsequently granted Yann carte blanche to make one in Paris. Initially, Yann planned to create an experimental documentary, conducting interviews with diverse groups of friends about their connections and struggles. The concept was to blend these interviews with surreal visuals, crafting an emotional journey focused on themes rather than a traditional narrative. However, when Rosa Attab, a close friend and co-writer of Algerian descent, joined Yann, the project took on a more personal dimension. She penned a voiceover based on Yann's background, initiating a dialogue about their complex heritage. Vague imagery, such as someone trapped beneath Paris and the specters of alternate lives, occupied Yann's thoughts. He was born in Paris but left as a child, immigrating to London, frequently contemplating the paths not taken. Rosa encouraged Yann to delve deeper into personal themes, and the writing evolved into a dialogue between a man and a woman of Algerian heritage in Paris, exploring their connections and attempts to transcend their traumas. The voiceover became the film's backbone, shaping its structure. Initially, they retained the documentary concept, filming three different groups of friends, but the story of a man meeting a woman in Paris and the complexities of their connection took precedence. Paris itself became a symbol of lost lives and identities, adding depth to the narrative. The film transformed into a personal odyssey, incorporating dance and surreal landscapes as the man searches for answers to his fragmented past. Throughout the process, Yann and Rosa aimed to maintain a sense of playfulness and experimentation, pushing the boundaries of language and storytelling.

Born in Paris and raised in London as a man of French Algerian heritage, Yann Mounir Demange has always been passionate about telling unexpected stories. Yann made a name for himself in the U.K. directing BAFTA-nominated series DEADSET, and the entire first season of critically acclaimed multi-BAFTA-nominated series TOP BOY, as well as his feature film debut ‘71, for which he received the British Independent Film Award for Best Director. Transitioning to working in the U.S., Yann most recently directed the feature film WHITE BOY RICK (Sony), and the pilot episode of HBO’s LOVECRAFT COUNTRY. He also served as an Executive Producer on Bassam Tariq’s MOGUL MOWGLI. Yann is directing the upcoming Marvel film, BLADE, starring Mahershala Ali, as well as the episodic reimagining of Cronenberg’s SCANNERS for HBO.