The exploits and misadventures of a group of devoted childhood friends provide the centerpiece for the debut feature of co-directors Kamel Saleh and Akhenaton. Set in Marseille's popular Panier district, the film depicts its protagonists -- the French-born offspring of Italian and North African immigrants -- as basically decent guys who have a habit of getting into trouble. We see them hanging out, cruising for women, interacting with their families, and conducting petty scams; it all makes for a pleasant life until the group's somewhat shady operations catch up with them. Comme un Aimant premiered to a strong reception at the 2000 Cannes Festival; one of its directors, Akhenaton, is well-known throughout France as a member of the popular Marseille-based rap collective IAM.