Plot: In December 1776, Benjamin Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments. But his passion and power are put to the test when he embarks on a secret mission to France—with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance.
Review: Of all the television and big screen depictions of the Revolutionary War and the early days of the United States, few have focused specifically on Benjamin Franklin. The scientist, inventor, scholar, and dignitary has been a key character in many projects, notably played by Tom Wilkinson in HBO’s John Adams and by Howard De Silva in the musical 1776, but always as a supporting player. Despite being one of the Founding Fathers and having his iconic visage gracing the one hundred dollar bill, the first narrative production centered on his life is just now being released. Franklin, an eight-episode limited series from AppleTV+ and ITV America, focuses on...
Review: Of all the television and big screen depictions of the Revolutionary War and the early days of the United States, few have focused specifically on Benjamin Franklin. The scientist, inventor, scholar, and dignitary has been a key character in many projects, notably played by Tom Wilkinson in HBO’s John Adams and by Howard De Silva in the musical 1776, but always as a supporting player. Despite being one of the Founding Fathers and having his iconic visage gracing the one hundred dollar bill, the first narrative production centered on his life is just now being released. Franklin, an eight-episode limited series from AppleTV+ and ITV America, focuses on...
- 4/12/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
In 1776, the world-famous electrical inventor-turned-public servant Benjamin Franklin began a mission that would once again change the course of history: an eight-year mission as the American ambassador to France, with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance. “Franklin,” a new eight-episode limited series starring and executive produced by Michael Douglas, will premiere on Apple TV+ this Friday, April 14, with its first three episodes. You can watch Franklin with a 7-Day Free Trial of Apple TV+.
How to Watch ‘Franklin’ Series Premiere When: Friday, April 12, 2024 Where: Apple TV+ Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Apple TV+. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month apple.com About ‘Franklin’ Series Premiere
A co-production between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios, the new limited series “Franklin” is based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book “Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America” and follows the eponymous Benjamin Franklin as he...
How to Watch ‘Franklin’ Series Premiere When: Friday, April 12, 2024 Where: Apple TV+ Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Apple TV+. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month apple.com About ‘Franklin’ Series Premiere
A co-production between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios, the new limited series “Franklin” is based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book “Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America” and follows the eponymous Benjamin Franklin as he...
- 4/12/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
When he arrived in France in 1776, Benjamin Franklin had a sort of global fame that’s hard to completely fathom, given a world of slow-traveling news in which “social media” took the form of arduously printed and even more arduously distributed pamphlets. He’d been a diplomat, journalist, publisher and prolific inventor, but he was more widely known for semi-apocryphal things like “inventing” electricity, as well as his mastery of glib wisdom we’d call “sound bites” today.
Franklin’s mission, undertaken with no official governmental mandate, was to enlist France’s support — money, supplies, ships and soldiers — in the burgeoning war for American independence. His celebrity, particularly its more frivolous aspects (matched with an international perception of frivolous “Americans”), was both a boon and a disservice to his cause. It’s as if we sent MrBeast to negotiate peace in the Middle East, if MrBeast suffered from gout and...
Franklin’s mission, undertaken with no official governmental mandate, was to enlist France’s support — money, supplies, ships and soldiers — in the burgeoning war for American independence. His celebrity, particularly its more frivolous aspects (matched with an international perception of frivolous “Americans”), was both a boon and a disservice to his cause. It’s as if we sent MrBeast to negotiate peace in the Middle East, if MrBeast suffered from gout and...
- 4/10/2024
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The quality Apple TV+ programming continues this month with the debut of a movie, the premiere of a new show, and the return of two series. The Apple TV Plus April 2024 lineup includes the streaming debut of Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle, the limited series Franklin, and the second seasons of Jane and The Big Door Prize.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. It is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens.
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Tcl and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, and PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles.
Apple TV Plus April 2024 Highlights
Available April 12
Argylle
Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elly Conway,...
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. It is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens.
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Tcl and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, and PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles.
Apple TV Plus April 2024 Highlights
Available April 12
Argylle
Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elly Conway,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Michael Douglas encabeza un reparto estelar en esta épica historia basada en hechos reales que narra el emocionante desafío de la carrera del visionario estadounidense. © Apple TV+
Apple TV+ ha publicado el primer tráiler y póster de “Benjamin Franklin”, la miniserie de ocho episodios protagonizada y producida por el icónico Michael Douglas.
La miniserie sumerge al espectador en la apasionante vida del visionario Benjamin Franklin, cuyo ingenio y determinación lo llevaron a desempeñar un papel fundamental en la independencia de Estados Unidos. Basada en la obra de Stacy Schiff, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America”, la serie desentraña la misión secreta de Franklin en Francia en un momento crucial de la historia. A los 70 años, sin experiencia diplomática previa, Franklin se embarca en una peligrosa empresa para asegurar el apoyo francés a la Revolución Americana. Con su fama, carisma e ingenio, Franklin sortea espías británicos, informantes...
Apple TV+ ha publicado el primer tráiler y póster de “Benjamin Franklin”, la miniserie de ocho episodios protagonizada y producida por el icónico Michael Douglas.
La miniserie sumerge al espectador en la apasionante vida del visionario Benjamin Franklin, cuyo ingenio y determinación lo llevaron a desempeñar un papel fundamental en la independencia de Estados Unidos. Basada en la obra de Stacy Schiff, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America”, la serie desentraña la misión secreta de Franklin en Francia en un momento crucial de la historia. A los 70 años, sin experiencia diplomática previa, Franklin se embarca en una peligrosa empresa para asegurar el apoyo francés a la Revolución Americana. Con su fama, carisma e ingenio, Franklin sortea espías británicos, informantes...
- 3/15/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
Franklin is coming to Apple TV+ next month, and the streaming service has now released a trailer. The eight-episode limited series, based on Stacey Schiff's book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, was ordered in March 2022.
Michael Douglas executive produces and stars in the new series as Benjamin Franklin, and he is joined by Noah Jupe, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Eddie Marsan, Assaad Bouab, Jeanne Balibar, and Theodore Pellerin. The series will follow the life of the founding father, philosopher, and inventor.
Read More…...
Michael Douglas executive produces and stars in the new series as Benjamin Franklin, and he is joined by Noah Jupe, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Eddie Marsan, Assaad Bouab, Jeanne Balibar, and Theodore Pellerin. The series will follow the life of the founding father, philosopher, and inventor.
Read More…...
- 3/14/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Apple TV+, which made an early foray into the science fiction realm, is now tackling historical miniseries with great success.
Just days before they release Manhunt, their Lincoln assignation piece focused on his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer for Franklin.
Franklin is the upcoming, eight-part limited series starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy, and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas.
Led by Douglas in the title role of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin will premiere globally on Apple TV+, with the first three episodes on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, Franklin explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career.
In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are...
Just days before they release Manhunt, their Lincoln assignation piece focused on his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer for Franklin.
Franklin is the upcoming, eight-part limited series starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy, and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas.
Led by Douglas in the title role of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin will premiere globally on Apple TV+, with the first three episodes on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, Franklin explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career.
In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are...
- 3/14/2024
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
It’s powdered wigs on parade in the new Franklin trailer, starring Michael Douglas as the calculating Newton of Electricity, Benjamin Franklin! As someone who performed miserably in history class throughout his schooling career, I was sure Apple’s upcoming limited series would not be to my liking. However, Michael Douglas transforms Benjamin Franklin into a charismatic, cryptic, and conniving figure. This portrayal is the jolt I needed to get interested in this fascinating television event.
Based upon A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America by Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff, the series will “explore the thrilling story of one of the greatest gambles of Benjamin Franklin’s career. At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced France – an absolute monarchy – to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma, and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers, and hostile colleagues, all while...
Based upon A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America by Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff, the series will “explore the thrilling story of one of the greatest gambles of Benjamin Franklin’s career. At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced France – an absolute monarchy – to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma, and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers, and hostile colleagues, all while...
- 3/13/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
On Wednesday, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for “Franklin,” a limited series starring Oscar and Emmy winner Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin. The historical drama premieres on April 12.
The series is set at a pivotal moment in the founding father’s life. He’s in France in 1776, trying to secure the court of Louis XVI’s support for the revolution. There are untrustworthy people all around him, so it’s a dangerous diplomatic chess game he has to play. The series, which is based on historical biographer Stacy Schiff’s book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” presents Franklin’s story as a kind of political thriller.
In addition to Douglas, who also executive produces, the cast includes Noah Jupe (“A Quiet Place”) as Temple Franklin, Benjamin’s teenage grandson who served as his secretary during the diplomatic mission; Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”) as...
The series is set at a pivotal moment in the founding father’s life. He’s in France in 1776, trying to secure the court of Louis XVI’s support for the revolution. There are untrustworthy people all around him, so it’s a dangerous diplomatic chess game he has to play. The series, which is based on historical biographer Stacy Schiff’s book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” presents Franklin’s story as a kind of political thriller.
In addition to Douglas, who also executive produces, the cast includes Noah Jupe (“A Quiet Place”) as Temple Franklin, Benjamin’s teenage grandson who served as his secretary during the diplomatic mission; Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”) as...
- 3/13/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for ‘Franklin,’ the upcoming, eight-part limited series starring and executive produced by Michael Douglas.
Led by Douglas in the title role of ‘Benjamin Franklin,’ the series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” the series explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when – as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance – he embarks on a secret mission to France.
At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame,...
Led by Douglas in the title role of ‘Benjamin Franklin,’ the series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” the series explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when – as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance – he embarks on a secret mission to France.
At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer for “Franklin,” the upcoming, eight-part limited series starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas. Led by Douglas in the title role of ‘Benjamin Franklin,’ “Franklin” will premiere globally on Apple TV+ withthe first three episodes on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” “Franklin” explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when – as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance – he embarks on a secret mission to France.
At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book, “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” “Franklin” explores the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when – as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance – he embarks on a secret mission to France.
At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy.
- 3/13/2024
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
"Diplomacy must never been a siege – but, a seduction." Apple TV has revealed the trailer for a mini-series titled Franklin, depicting the eight years Benjamin Franklin spent in France to convince the country to underwrite America's democracy. This Apple TV production with ITV Studios and Flame Ventures is a large scale look at a major moment in American history. It's launching for streaming starting in early April this spring before the summer movie season kicks off. In late 1776, Benjamin Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments. But his passion and power are put to the test when he embarks on a secret mission to France — with the fate of American independence hanging in the balance. Hoping to strike a deal to recruit their help defeat the British. Michael Douglas stars as iconic American inventor & politician Ben Franklin, with Noah Jupe as his son William Temple Franklin. The ensemble cast includes Marc Duret,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Michael Douglas Is Definitely ‘Up to Something’ as Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+ ‘Franklin’ Trailer
Turns out, Benjamin Franklin didn’t just sit around perfecting bifocals.
Apple TV+ today released the trailer for its eight-part limited series “Franklin,” starring and executive produced by Michael Douglas. The first three episodes will premiere globally on the Apple SVOD service on Friday, April 12; the next five episodes will role out one at a time on subsequent Fridays through May 17.
“Franklin” is based on Stacy Schiff’s book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.” The series tells “the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career” — outside of holding a lightning rod in a thunderstorm, we imagine.
In 1776, the world-famous inventor faces his ultimate test: a secret mission to recruit France to help America fight for its independence in the Revolutionary War. And, oh yeah, he was 70 and Transatlantic travel hadn’t exactly been perfected.
“By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity,...
Apple TV+ today released the trailer for its eight-part limited series “Franklin,” starring and executive produced by Michael Douglas. The first three episodes will premiere globally on the Apple SVOD service on Friday, April 12; the next five episodes will role out one at a time on subsequent Fridays through May 17.
“Franklin” is based on Stacy Schiff’s book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.” The series tells “the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career” — outside of holding a lightning rod in a thunderstorm, we imagine.
In 1776, the world-famous inventor faces his ultimate test: a secret mission to recruit France to help America fight for its independence in the Revolutionary War. And, oh yeah, he was 70 and Transatlantic travel hadn’t exactly been perfected.
“By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Anne Fontaine’s Maurice Ravel biopic Boléro has sold to key territories for Snd following the film’s world premiere at International Film Festival Rotterdam. Snd is now screening the film to buyers at the EFM.
Boléro has been snapped up by X-Verleih for Germany, Movies Inspired in Italy, O’Brother for Benelux, Gaga in Japan, Sphere in Canada, Cinemundo in Portugal, Njuta for Scandinavia, Agora for Switzerland, Beta in Bulgaria, Discovery in the Balkans, Cirko in Hungary, Aj Jet in Taiwan, Arna Media for Cis and Skeye for Airlines.
Raphael Personnaz stars as the famed composer as he prepares...
Boléro has been snapped up by X-Verleih for Germany, Movies Inspired in Italy, O’Brother for Benelux, Gaga in Japan, Sphere in Canada, Cinemundo in Portugal, Njuta for Scandinavia, Agora for Switzerland, Beta in Bulgaria, Discovery in the Balkans, Cirko in Hungary, Aj Jet in Taiwan, Arna Media for Cis and Skeye for Airlines.
Raphael Personnaz stars as the famed composer as he prepares...
- 2/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
Franklin is headed to Apple TV+ in April. The streaming service announced the premiere date for the limited series with the release of first-look photos. Michael Douglas (above) executive produces and stars in the eight-episode series based on Stacy Schiff’s book, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.
Also starring Noah Jupe, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Eddie Marsan, Assaad Bouab, Jeanne Balibar, and Theodore Pellerin, the limited series follows the life of founding father, philosopher, and inventor Benjamin Franklin.
Read More…...
Also starring Noah Jupe, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Eddie Marsan, Assaad Bouab, Jeanne Balibar, and Theodore Pellerin, the limited series follows the life of founding father, philosopher, and inventor Benjamin Franklin.
Read More…...
- 2/9/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Michael Douglas and Noah Jupe in ‘Franklin’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Two-time Oscar winner Michael Douglas takes on the titular role in Apple TV+’s Franklin, a limited series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America by Stacy Schiff. (So glad they shortened the series’ title!) The streaming service just released the first two photos of Douglas in character as Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and announced the series will premiere on April 12, 2024.
The first three episodes will be released simultaneously, followed by a new episode of the eight-episode season every Friday. The finale is set for May 17th.
Joining Michael Douglas for the historical biopic are Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place Part II) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (Call My Agent!) as Comte de Vergennes, and Daniel Mays (Line of Duty) as Edward Bancroft. Ludivine Sagnier (Lupin) plays Madame Brillon,...
Two-time Oscar winner Michael Douglas takes on the titular role in Apple TV+’s Franklin, a limited series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America by Stacy Schiff. (So glad they shortened the series’ title!) The streaming service just released the first two photos of Douglas in character as Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and announced the series will premiere on April 12, 2024.
The first three episodes will be released simultaneously, followed by a new episode of the eight-episode season every Friday. The finale is set for May 17th.
Joining Michael Douglas for the historical biopic are Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place Part II) as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert (Call My Agent!) as Comte de Vergennes, and Daniel Mays (Line of Duty) as Edward Bancroft. Ludivine Sagnier (Lupin) plays Madame Brillon,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Every 15 minutes, according to a title at the end of director Anne Fontaine’s latest film, someone on earth plays Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro.” It’s a largely unprovable statement that is nonetheless borne out anecdotally by the familiarity of the tune, which crops up so frequently in concerts, movies, TV shows, commercials, dance recitals and at least one iconic 1980s ice skating routine, that it’s close to becoming sonic wallpaper. It’s a pleasant surprise then, that “Boléro,” Fontaine’s gently deconstructed Ravel biopic, while running long and never wholly airing out the stuffiness of “tortured genius” genre, does at minimum make us appreciate the music anew — its rustling snare drums, its snake-charmer woodwinds, its revving, roundabout rhythms.
Indeed Fontaine’s screenplay, co-written with Claire Barré, persuasively suggests that whatever ambivalence a modern viewer may feel toward the composition, Ravel, whose quiet peculiarities are sensitively underplayed by Raphaël Personnaz,...
Indeed Fontaine’s screenplay, co-written with Claire Barré, persuasively suggests that whatever ambivalence a modern viewer may feel toward the composition, Ravel, whose quiet peculiarities are sensitively underplayed by Raphaël Personnaz,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Please don’t stop the music: Anne Fontaine isn’t done with it just yet.
Following “Boléro” — world premiering at International Film Festival Rotterdam — the noted director is developing another melodic project.
“It’s about a character who was a star at 10 years old. He had a ‘magic’ voice, but then he suddenly lost it. Years later, he is ready to come back. It’s a comedy, based on something real,” she says. Admitting that this time, she will swap classical compositions for popular tunes.
“I like songs: they are in our blood. We hear them and remember we lost a lover when they were playing. They mark our lives. There will be so much music [in this film]. And all these amazing voices, including a real-life singer making her film debut.”
New project will combine “cruelty and humor.”
“Our destiny might be cruel, but we are still able to laugh about it.
Following “Boléro” — world premiering at International Film Festival Rotterdam — the noted director is developing another melodic project.
“It’s about a character who was a star at 10 years old. He had a ‘magic’ voice, but then he suddenly lost it. Years later, he is ready to come back. It’s a comedy, based on something real,” she says. Admitting that this time, she will swap classical compositions for popular tunes.
“I like songs: they are in our blood. We hear them and remember we lost a lover when they were playing. They mark our lives. There will be so much music [in this film]. And all these amazing voices, including a real-life singer making her film debut.”
New project will combine “cruelty and humor.”
“Our destiny might be cruel, but we are still able to laugh about it.
- 1/29/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Doc is third in director Jean-Michel Bertrand wolf trilogy
France TV Distribution is kicking off sales on Jean-Michel Bertrand’s documentary Living With Wolves at the Rendez-Vous with French Cinema which opens tomorrow in Paris.
The film is Bertrand’s third in his wolf trilogy and sees him living alongside a community of wolves in European forests. As wolves continue to repopulate Europe, Bertrand offers a lesson in how to exist alongside these mysterious yet dangerous animals.
Living With Wolves, produced by MC4, is set for a January 24 release in France via Gebeka Films. France TV Distribution will market premiere...
France TV Distribution is kicking off sales on Jean-Michel Bertrand’s documentary Living With Wolves at the Rendez-Vous with French Cinema which opens tomorrow in Paris.
The film is Bertrand’s third in his wolf trilogy and sees him living alongside a community of wolves in European forests. As wolves continue to repopulate Europe, Bertrand offers a lesson in how to exist alongside these mysterious yet dangerous animals.
Living With Wolves, produced by MC4, is set for a January 24 release in France via Gebeka Films. France TV Distribution will market premiere...
- 1/15/2024
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Juliette Binoche, Marion Cotillard and Jacques Audiard are among 500 French cinema professionals to have signed an open letter in support of a silent march for peace in Paris this Sunday.
The initiative – created in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and its ongoing reverberations around the world – is being spearheaded by the newly launched Une Autre Voix (Another Voice) collective.
“This fratricidal war affects us all, and regardless of our reasons or affinities on each side of the wall, we want it to cease and that both peoples finally live in peace,” reads the letter.
“This is why we are organizing a silent, united, humanist and peaceful march that will open with a single long white banner. No political claims nor slogans. White flags, white handkerchiefs are welcome.”
Belgian-Moroccan actress Lubna Azabal presides over the Une Autre Voix collective which also features French...
The initiative – created in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and its ongoing reverberations around the world – is being spearheaded by the newly launched Une Autre Voix (Another Voice) collective.
“This fratricidal war affects us all, and regardless of our reasons or affinities on each side of the wall, we want it to cease and that both peoples finally live in peace,” reads the letter.
“This is why we are organizing a silent, united, humanist and peaceful march that will open with a single long white banner. No political claims nor slogans. White flags, white handkerchiefs are welcome.”
Belgian-Moroccan actress Lubna Azabal presides over the Une Autre Voix collective which also features French...
- 11/17/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has closed multiple deals for Cannes Film Festival titles “Power Alley” by Lillah Halla, and “Let Me Go” by Maxime Rappaz, which are both female-led films.
Cannes Critics’ Week title “Power Alley,” set in Brazil, follows talented volleyball player Sofia who discovers she is pregnant on the eve of a career-defining game. Seeking an abortion, which is illegal in Brazil, she is confronted by a fundamentalist group who become fixated on stopping her. The film puts sisterhood and collective resistance at the forefront of the story.
“Power Alley” has been sold to Njuta Films, which will distribute in Sweden, September, which will handle the release in Benelux, Cineworx for Switzerland, and Leopardo Filmes for Portugal. The film was already sold to AX1 Films (U.K. and Ireland), and Øst for Paradis (Denmark).
M-Appeal also closed further deals for Cannes Acid title “Let Me Go,” starring Jeanne Balibar.
Cannes Critics’ Week title “Power Alley,” set in Brazil, follows talented volleyball player Sofia who discovers she is pregnant on the eve of a career-defining game. Seeking an abortion, which is illegal in Brazil, she is confronted by a fundamentalist group who become fixated on stopping her. The film puts sisterhood and collective resistance at the forefront of the story.
“Power Alley” has been sold to Njuta Films, which will distribute in Sweden, September, which will handle the release in Benelux, Cineworx for Switzerland, and Leopardo Filmes for Portugal. The film was already sold to AX1 Films (U.K. and Ireland), and Øst for Paradis (Denmark).
M-Appeal also closed further deals for Cannes Acid title “Let Me Go,” starring Jeanne Balibar.
- 10/4/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Gaumont and Egerie Productions have announced they are teaming with Prime Video on heartwarming French-language drama My Mother, God, And Sylvie Vartan, which is the platform’s first French-language feature destined for a theatrical release.
The picture is adapted from the autobiographical novel of French radio and TV presenter Roland Perez and is inspired by his strong-minded Sephardic Jewish mother’s determination that he would live a full life after he was born with a clubfoot.
Her self-sacrifice and a consuming passion for the music of popular singer Sylvie Vartan enabled her son to achieve his dreams despite his difference.
Canadian director and screenwriter Ken Scott is attached to direct and also wrote the screenplay, adaptation and dialogue.
Filming will take place in Paris between September and November 2023
Leïla Bekhti and Jonathan Cohen lead the cast.
The picture is adapted from the autobiographical novel of French radio and TV presenter Roland Perez and is inspired by his strong-minded Sephardic Jewish mother’s determination that he would live a full life after he was born with a clubfoot.
Her self-sacrifice and a consuming passion for the music of popular singer Sylvie Vartan enabled her son to achieve his dreams despite his difference.
Canadian director and screenwriter Ken Scott is attached to direct and also wrote the screenplay, adaptation and dialogue.
Filming will take place in Paris between September and November 2023
Leïla Bekhti and Jonathan Cohen lead the cast.
- 9/19/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video and Gaumont (“Intouchables”) are teaming up on an uplifting mother-son drama tackling disability, directed by Ken Scott (“Starbuck”), and starring French actors Leïla Bekhti (“All Your Faces”) and Jonathan Cohen (“Sentinelle”). Scott penned and will be directing the film which is titled “Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan” and is based on Roland Perez’s novel by the same name.
The project is the first theatrical film that Amazon Prime Video is co-financing as part of the French decree that kicked off in July 2021 and stems from the implementation of the European Commission’s legislation called Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Avms). As such, Gaumont will release the film theatrically in France and holds all distribution rights in France and internationally (outside of Canada). “Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan” will roll out on Prime Video 17 months after its theatrical release under France’s windowing rules.
The poignant movie...
The project is the first theatrical film that Amazon Prime Video is co-financing as part of the French decree that kicked off in July 2021 and stems from the implementation of the European Commission’s legislation called Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Avms). As such, Gaumont will release the film theatrically in France and holds all distribution rights in France and internationally (outside of Canada). “Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan” will roll out on Prime Video 17 months after its theatrical release under France’s windowing rules.
The poignant movie...
- 9/19/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
French filmmaker Ladj Ly has returned to his home turf of Paris with Les Indésirables, a searing portrait of police violence and political injustice in angry suburbs that has a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival this week.
On Saturday, Ly told a TIFF panel that little has changed for the better for the marginalized communities depicted in his follow-up to Les Misérables, which earned the Jury Prize in Cannes. “There’s absolutely no political volition to make anything better,” Ly said during an informal conversation with The Hollywood Reporter‘s Scott Roxborough, which was presented as part of the Visionaries series.
“The problems that touched the suburbs have now extended to the rest of France,” Ly added, as he pointed to the police crackdown of Yellow Vests protests countrywide against economic injustice, which included grassroots protests earlier this year against pension reforms.
“The police have a free pass to kill Blacks and Arabs,...
On Saturday, Ly told a TIFF panel that little has changed for the better for the marginalized communities depicted in his follow-up to Les Misérables, which earned the Jury Prize in Cannes. “There’s absolutely no political volition to make anything better,” Ly said during an informal conversation with The Hollywood Reporter‘s Scott Roxborough, which was presented as part of the Visionaries series.
“The problems that touched the suburbs have now extended to the rest of France,” Ly added, as he pointed to the police crackdown of Yellow Vests protests countrywide against economic injustice, which included grassroots protests earlier this year against pension reforms.
“The police have a free pass to kill Blacks and Arabs,...
- 9/10/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It would be easy to mistake Ladj Ly’s “Les Indésirables” for a direct sequel to his 2019 debut “Les Misérables.” Beyond possessing a similar title, some of the same cast, and a shared focus on the oppressive living conditions of Paris’ most vulnerable immigrant communities, Ly’s second narrative feature picks up where his first left off: In the crowded stairwell of a suburban housing project as its residents ask themselves, this time aloud: “How can we live and die in a place like this?”
The fade-to-black in the final moments of Ly’s Cannes breakout suggested that loss was imminent, and the ominous drone shot that begins his more expansive sophomore effort ultimately arrives at the sight of a corpse in a coffin. But if these equally combustible films are set in different buildings, and in different communities (with the town of “Grand-Bosquet” standing in for Montfermeil), they’re...
The fade-to-black in the final moments of Ly’s Cannes breakout suggested that loss was imminent, and the ominous drone shot that begins his more expansive sophomore effort ultimately arrives at the sight of a corpse in a coffin. But if these equally combustible films are set in different buildings, and in different communities (with the town of “Grand-Bosquet” standing in for Montfermeil), they’re...
- 9/8/2023
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
The social drama is set to debut at this year’s Toronto film festival.
Goodfellas has unveiled the first English-language trailer for Ladj Ly’s Les Indésirables (Bâtiment 5) set to world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival tonight (September 8).
Watch the trailer above.
The social drama follows a young woman (newcomer Anta Diaw) deeply involved in the life of her community, who discovers a redevelopment plan for her neighbourhood calling for the demolition of the block where she grew up and led behind closed doors by a young doctor thrust into the role of mayor (Les Misérables’ co-writer and star...
Goodfellas has unveiled the first English-language trailer for Ladj Ly’s Les Indésirables (Bâtiment 5) set to world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival tonight (September 8).
Watch the trailer above.
The social drama follows a young woman (newcomer Anta Diaw) deeply involved in the life of her community, who discovers a redevelopment plan for her neighbourhood calling for the demolition of the block where she grew up and led behind closed doors by a young doctor thrust into the role of mayor (Les Misérables’ co-writer and star...
- 9/8/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
The social drama is set to debut at this year’s Toronto film festival.
Goodfellas has unveiled the first English-language trailer for Ladj Ly’s Les Indésirables (Bâtiment 5) set to world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival tonight (September 8).
Watch the trailer above.
The social drama follows a young woman (newcomer Anta Diaw) deeply involved in the life of her community, who discovers a redevelopment plan for her neighbourhood calling for the demolition of the block where she grew up and led behind closed doors by a young doctor thrust into the role of mayor (Les Misérables’ co-writer and star...
Goodfellas has unveiled the first English-language trailer for Ladj Ly’s Les Indésirables (Bâtiment 5) set to world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival tonight (September 8).
Watch the trailer above.
The social drama follows a young woman (newcomer Anta Diaw) deeply involved in the life of her community, who discovers a redevelopment plan for her neighbourhood calling for the demolition of the block where she grew up and led behind closed doors by a young doctor thrust into the role of mayor (Les Misérables’ co-writer and star...
- 9/8/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Ladj Ly’s 2019 debut feature, “Les Misérables,” took 15 years to make but received kudos in France and scored a 2020 Oscar nomination. Ly received multiple offers to direct Hollywood films, but chose to return to France and make “Les Indésirables,” which Ly initially called “Bâtiment 5” after the grubby high-rise tenement — now razed — where he grew up outside Paris. The film premieres tomorrow night at the Toronto International Film Festival, but days before, he talked to us via Zoom. “I feel the pressure,” he said. “The bar is quite high.”
He needn’t worry. From the start, Ly ratchets the tension with the residents’ tamped-down anger. The film’s opening, in which six men carry a coffin down six flights of stairs, is torturous to watch and sets up the living conditions the characters endure.
“It’s never easy to take down a coffin from the fifth or sixth floor of a building,...
He needn’t worry. From the start, Ly ratchets the tension with the residents’ tamped-down anger. The film’s opening, in which six men carry a coffin down six flights of stairs, is torturous to watch and sets up the living conditions the characters endure.
“It’s never easy to take down a coffin from the fifth or sixth floor of a building,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Sales to kick off this week in Venice.
France TV Distribution has boarded Sylvain Desclous’ sensual French thriller The Victoria System (Le Système Victoria) and will kick off sales in Venice.
Based on popular French author Eric Reinhardt’s best-selling novel of the same name, Desclous’ third fiction feature is currently in production and stars Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar, who also shared the screen in Ladj Ly’s Oscar-nominated debut feature Les Misérables.
The passion-filled story of power, sex and capitalism follows a man (Bonnard) overseeing the construction of the highest tower ever built in France whose life is...
France TV Distribution has boarded Sylvain Desclous’ sensual French thriller The Victoria System (Le Système Victoria) and will kick off sales in Venice.
Based on popular French author Eric Reinhardt’s best-selling novel of the same name, Desclous’ third fiction feature is currently in production and stars Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar, who also shared the screen in Ladj Ly’s Oscar-nominated debut feature Les Misérables.
The passion-filled story of power, sex and capitalism follows a man (Bonnard) overseeing the construction of the highest tower ever built in France whose life is...
- 8/31/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Ladj Ly’s “Les Indésirables” is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, making it the first international title to debut at TIFF 2023.
“We are honored to showcase Ladj Ly’s remarkable talent once again with the World Premiere of his latest work, ‘Les Indésirables,’” Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, said. “This deeply personal film beautifully captures the struggles and aspirations of a community, reflecting Ly’s unparalleled storytelling skills.”
The film – whose title is a nod to the Victor Hugo novel – is set in the suburbs of Paris and follows a young doctor (Alexis Manenti) who is appointed to replace the mayor after the politican’s sudden death. As he tries to continue the plans of his predecessor, which involve rehabilitating a working-class neighborhood, he comes face-to-face with a local French woman (Anta Diaw) of Malian origin who refuses to let her family lose their home.
“We are honored to showcase Ladj Ly’s remarkable talent once again with the World Premiere of his latest work, ‘Les Indésirables,’” Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, said. “This deeply personal film beautifully captures the struggles and aspirations of a community, reflecting Ly’s unparalleled storytelling skills.”
The film – whose title is a nod to the Victor Hugo novel – is set in the suburbs of Paris and follows a young doctor (Alexis Manenti) who is appointed to replace the mayor after the politican’s sudden death. As he tries to continue the plans of his predecessor, which involve rehabilitating a working-class neighborhood, he comes face-to-face with a local French woman (Anta Diaw) of Malian origin who refuses to let her family lose their home.
- 7/5/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
The fall fest season is revving up.
The Toronto Film Festival said Wednesday that French director Ladj Ly’s new feature Les Indésirables will world premiere at its 48th edition, running from September 7-17.
It is the first international world premiere title to be unveiled by TIFF ahead of fuller lineup details in the coming weeks. Last week, organizers said Searchlight’s Taika Waititi soccer comedy Next Goal Wins will have its world premiere there.
Les Indésirables is Ly’s second fiction feature after his award-winning debut Les Misérables, which won the Cannes Jury Prize in 2019 and went on to make its North American premiere at TIFF that same year.
Les Misérables won a slew of French Césars the following year and was also France’s Academy Awards submission, getting through to the final nominations stage in the International Feature category, going up up against Parasite.
Ly’s work, capturing...
The Toronto Film Festival said Wednesday that French director Ladj Ly’s new feature Les Indésirables will world premiere at its 48th edition, running from September 7-17.
It is the first international world premiere title to be unveiled by TIFF ahead of fuller lineup details in the coming weeks. Last week, organizers said Searchlight’s Taika Waititi soccer comedy Next Goal Wins will have its world premiere there.
Les Indésirables is Ly’s second fiction feature after his award-winning debut Les Misérables, which won the Cannes Jury Prize in 2019 and went on to make its North American premiere at TIFF that same year.
Les Misérables won a slew of French Césars the following year and was also France’s Academy Awards submission, getting through to the final nominations stage in the International Feature category, going up up against Parasite.
Ly’s work, capturing...
- 7/5/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Ladj Ly, the French filmmaker behind “Les Misérables,” will return to the Toronto International Film Festival with his latest drama, “Les Indésirables.” The film will have its world premiere at the fall festival, where it is selling distribution rights.
Buyers, particularly those looking to land the rare foreign language film that could appeal to U.S. audiences, will certainly be keen to see what Ly has brought to Toronto. “Les Misérables,” with its searing depiction of police violence and roiling tensions in an immigrant community on the outskirts of Paris electrified critics when it debuted in Cannes in 2019. It won Cannes’ Jury Prize and went on to pick up Oscar and BAFTA nominations after it sold to Amazon.
“Les Indésirables,” which translates to undesirables, stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar, Steve Tientcheu, Anta Diaw and Aristote Luyindula. Like “Les Misérables,” it is also set in the suburbs of Paris. After the...
Buyers, particularly those looking to land the rare foreign language film that could appeal to U.S. audiences, will certainly be keen to see what Ly has brought to Toronto. “Les Misérables,” with its searing depiction of police violence and roiling tensions in an immigrant community on the outskirts of Paris electrified critics when it debuted in Cannes in 2019. It won Cannes’ Jury Prize and went on to pick up Oscar and BAFTA nominations after it sold to Amazon.
“Les Indésirables,” which translates to undesirables, stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar, Steve Tientcheu, Anta Diaw and Aristote Luyindula. Like “Les Misérables,” it is also set in the suburbs of Paris. After the...
- 7/5/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
French filmmaker won the jury prize at Cannes with ‘Les Misérables’, which went on to secure an Oscar nomination.
Les Indésirables, the second feature of Cannes award-winner Ladj Ly, will receive its world premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival.
The French filmmaker was previously at TIFF in 2019 with debut Les Misérables, which won the jury prize when it premiered in Competition at Cannes and went on to secure an Oscar nomination for best international feature film.
Les Indésirables is a timely tale of revolution, set in the suburbs on the outskirts of Paris, and stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar and Steve Tientcheu,...
Les Indésirables, the second feature of Cannes award-winner Ladj Ly, will receive its world premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival.
The French filmmaker was previously at TIFF in 2019 with debut Les Misérables, which won the jury prize when it premiered in Competition at Cannes and went on to secure an Oscar nomination for best international feature film.
Les Indésirables is a timely tale of revolution, set in the suburbs on the outskirts of Paris, and stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar and Steve Tientcheu,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Ladj Ly, whose debut feature Les Miserables won the Jury Prize in Cannes and became a box office hit in France, is bringing his follow-up feature Les Indesirables to the Toronto International Film Festival for a world premiere.
The French filmmaker will return to Toronto with Les Indésirables after his debut feature, Les Misérables, had a North American premiere at TIFF in 2019, received the Jury Prize at Cannes and earned an Oscar nomination for best international feature at the 2020 Oscars, where it lost out to Parasite.
Ly skipped Cannes with Les Indésirables and Venice was also under consideration for a world premiere ahead of a Nov. 22 commercial release. Set in the suburbs of Paris, Les Indésirables stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar, Steve Tientcheu, Anta Diaw, and Aristote Luyindula.
After the sudden death of a town’s mayor, Pierre (Manenti), an idealistic young doctor, is appointed to replace him. He intends...
The French filmmaker will return to Toronto with Les Indésirables after his debut feature, Les Misérables, had a North American premiere at TIFF in 2019, received the Jury Prize at Cannes and earned an Oscar nomination for best international feature at the 2020 Oscars, where it lost out to Parasite.
Ly skipped Cannes with Les Indésirables and Venice was also under consideration for a world premiere ahead of a Nov. 22 commercial release. Set in the suburbs of Paris, Les Indésirables stars Alexis Manenti, Jeanne Balibar, Steve Tientcheu, Anta Diaw, and Aristote Luyindula.
After the sudden death of a town’s mayor, Pierre (Manenti), an idealistic young doctor, is appointed to replace him. He intends...
- 7/5/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s Toronto International Film Festival is continuing to take shape. Today, the festival has announced the world premiere of Ladj Ly’s “Les Indésirables,” which also gives film fans a glimpse at the first international title to be announced from this year’s slate.
It will not be Ly’s first TIFF appearance: the French filmmaker previously screened his “Les Misérables” at the 2019 festival. That film received the Jury Prize at Cannes, was nominated for a Palme d’Or at Cannes as well as several César awards, and ultimately earned an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature.
Per today’s announcement, the festival promises that “Ly continues to push artistic boundaries, offering audiences a thought-provoking cinematic experience.” “We are honored to showcase Ladj Ly’s remarkable talent once again with the World Premiere of his latest work, ‘Les Indésirables,’” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF in an official statement.
It will not be Ly’s first TIFF appearance: the French filmmaker previously screened his “Les Misérables” at the 2019 festival. That film received the Jury Prize at Cannes, was nominated for a Palme d’Or at Cannes as well as several César awards, and ultimately earned an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature.
Per today’s announcement, the festival promises that “Ly continues to push artistic boundaries, offering audiences a thought-provoking cinematic experience.” “We are honored to showcase Ladj Ly’s remarkable talent once again with the World Premiere of his latest work, ‘Les Indésirables,’” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF in an official statement.
- 7/5/2023
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The Daughters of Fire.Three square images, placed side by side on the screen. The full frame is as wide as CinemaScope, which Fritz Lang famously said was only suitable for snakes and funerals. On the left, a woman stares forward as she stalks, like a Jacques Tourneur character, toward no certain destination; as she does so—singing, half her face shrouded in shadow—she passes through a seemingly endless corridor of ash, an ever-rotating carousel of clay streaked with wisps of fire. In the center frame, another woman lies prone, bent over on the shores of a volcanic beach. The sea laps in apocalyptic, dusky light behind her, the horizon stretches out to the limits of vision; uncertainly, she heaves her body upright to sit as she sings. In the far-right frame, another woman peers out from around a doorframe, staring into the camera, also singing in direct counterpoint with the other two women,...
- 6/14/2023
- MUBI
Maxime Rappaz’s debut film “Let Me Go,” which plays in the Cannes Acid sidebar, has been sold to Brazil and Taiwan. The film stars Cannes regular Jeanne Balibar in the lead role as a fiftysomething woman torn between her family commitments and pursuing her own desires.
Every Tuesday, a neighbor takes care of Claudine’s son while she goes to a mountain hotel to meet men passing through. When one of them decides to extend his stay for her, Claudine is confused and finds herself dreaming of another life.
Imovision has acquired all rights for Brazil, and will release the film in cinemas after a Brazilian festival premiere. “The mise en scène is excellent and Jeanne Balibar is extraordinary,” Jean-Thomas Bernardini, president of Imovision, commented.
Andrews Film has acquired all rights for Taiwan, where the film joins a distribution slate including “Aftersun,” “One Fine Morning’ and “Drive My Car.
Every Tuesday, a neighbor takes care of Claudine’s son while she goes to a mountain hotel to meet men passing through. When one of them decides to extend his stay for her, Claudine is confused and finds herself dreaming of another life.
Imovision has acquired all rights for Brazil, and will release the film in cinemas after a Brazilian festival premiere. “The mise en scène is excellent and Jeanne Balibar is extraordinary,” Jean-Thomas Bernardini, president of Imovision, commented.
Andrews Film has acquired all rights for Taiwan, where the film joins a distribution slate including “Aftersun,” “One Fine Morning’ and “Drive My Car.
- 5/21/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Jeanne Balibar stars in Swiss film directed by Maxime Rappaz.
German sales agent M-Appeal has closed two major territories on its Cannes Acid title Let Me Go (Laissez-Moi), starring Jeanne Balibar.
The film has sold to Mimosa Films for Japan and PoongKyung SoRi (Scene & Sound) for South Korea, both in all rights deals. These follow from a German deal struck with Alamode earlier in the week. French distribution will be handled by Eurozoom.
The feature debut of Switzerland’s Maxime Rappaz, Let Me Go follows Claudine (Balibar), an elegant woman in her early 50s, whose life is dedicated to taking care of her son.
German sales agent M-Appeal has closed two major territories on its Cannes Acid title Let Me Go (Laissez-Moi), starring Jeanne Balibar.
The film has sold to Mimosa Films for Japan and PoongKyung SoRi (Scene & Sound) for South Korea, both in all rights deals. These follow from a German deal struck with Alamode earlier in the week. French distribution will be handled by Eurozoom.
The feature debut of Switzerland’s Maxime Rappaz, Let Me Go follows Claudine (Balibar), an elegant woman in her early 50s, whose life is dedicated to taking care of her son.
- 5/16/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has released the trailer (below) for Swiss director Maxime Rappaz’s debut feature “Let Me Go,” which will open the Cannes Acid sidebar on Wednesday.
Set in a remote town in the Swiss mountains, the film features French actress Jeanne Balibar in the lead role. She plays the character of Claudine, a mother who has devoted her life to taking care of her son, sacrificing her own needs and desires. An unexpected love affair causes Claudine’s carefully controlled world to unravel, “reviving in her an intense thirst for freedom and, at the same time, a painful questioning about her future,” Rappaz says.
M-Appeal, who are celebrating their 15th birthday this year, are representing a Cannes Acid title for the second year in a row, following the success of “99 Moons” last year.
Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal, says: “Both films, although very different, center on female desire,...
Set in a remote town in the Swiss mountains, the film features French actress Jeanne Balibar in the lead role. She plays the character of Claudine, a mother who has devoted her life to taking care of her son, sacrificing her own needs and desires. An unexpected love affair causes Claudine’s carefully controlled world to unravel, “reviving in her an intense thirst for freedom and, at the same time, a painful questioning about her future,” Rappaz says.
M-Appeal, who are celebrating their 15th birthday this year, are representing a Cannes Acid title for the second year in a row, following the success of “99 Moons” last year.
Maren Kroymann, managing director of M-Appeal, says: “Both films, although very different, center on female desire,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has released the first-look trailer (below) for the suspense filled drama “Power Alley,” from Brazilian director Lillah Halla, ahead of its world premiere in Cannes’ Critics’ Week sidebar.
The gripping drama is set in Brazil, where abortion is illegal. Talented volleyball player Sofia (Ayomi Domenica Dias) discovers she is pregnant at a crucial moment, jeopardizing her career plans. Intent on deciding her own fate, Sophia tries everything possible to get an illegal abortion, but has to contend with an increasingly sinister fundamentalist group determined to stop her — but Sophia, her team and all those who love her, refuse to give up.
The film explores the topic of abortion rights and self-determination head on, focusing on the power of the team – who are stronger together – in standing up to injustice.
The film is Halla’s debut feature, following her short film “Menarca,” which was selected for Cannes...
The gripping drama is set in Brazil, where abortion is illegal. Talented volleyball player Sofia (Ayomi Domenica Dias) discovers she is pregnant at a crucial moment, jeopardizing her career plans. Intent on deciding her own fate, Sophia tries everything possible to get an illegal abortion, but has to contend with an increasingly sinister fundamentalist group determined to stop her — but Sophia, her team and all those who love her, refuse to give up.
The film explores the topic of abortion rights and self-determination head on, focusing on the power of the team – who are stronger together – in standing up to injustice.
The film is Halla’s debut feature, following her short film “Menarca,” which was selected for Cannes...
- 5/13/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Berlin-based sales agency M-Appeal has closed a deal for German distribution rights for “Let Me Go” with Alamode Film, ahead of the film’s world premiere as the opening film of Cannes Acid sidebar next week.
“Let Me Go” (Laissez-Moi), the debut feature by Swiss director Maxime Rappaz, is set in a remote Swiss mountain village, where Claudine (Jeanne Balibar) lives a life dedicated to taking care of her son. Every Tuesday, however, she has an afternoon to herself and goes to a nearby hotel to meet men passing through. She pursues her desires in a carefully controlled way, so as not to interfere with her life, but when she meets Michael (Thomas Sarbacher) everything changes.
Rappaz worked with acclaimed DoP Benoît Dervaux (collaborator of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne) to capture the Swiss mountain landscape in a timeless way. Echoing the circumstances of the film’s female lead, the mountain...
“Let Me Go” (Laissez-Moi), the debut feature by Swiss director Maxime Rappaz, is set in a remote Swiss mountain village, where Claudine (Jeanne Balibar) lives a life dedicated to taking care of her son. Every Tuesday, however, she has an afternoon to herself and goes to a nearby hotel to meet men passing through. She pursues her desires in a carefully controlled way, so as not to interfere with her life, but when she meets Michael (Thomas Sarbacher) everything changes.
Rappaz worked with acclaimed DoP Benoît Dervaux (collaborator of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne) to capture the Swiss mountain landscape in a timeless way. Echoing the circumstances of the film’s female lead, the mountain...
- 5/9/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Film stars Raphael Personnaz and Jeanne Balibar.
Paris-based Snd has boarded Anne Fontaine’s Boléro about the birth of the renowned orchestral work from Maurice Ravel, now shooting in France.
Set in the Roaring 1920s, the film stars Raphael Personnaz, known for Our Brothers, Julia(s) and The French Minister, as the composer. Jeanne Balibar, who has appeared in Lost Illusions, Cold War and Grace Of Monaco, plays the Russian dancer-choreographer Ida Rubinstein who commissioned the now legendary music.
Snd, the film arm of France’s M6 group, is on board as co-producer and French distributor and is launching international sales at Cannes.
Paris-based Snd has boarded Anne Fontaine’s Boléro about the birth of the renowned orchestral work from Maurice Ravel, now shooting in France.
Set in the Roaring 1920s, the film stars Raphael Personnaz, known for Our Brothers, Julia(s) and The French Minister, as the composer. Jeanne Balibar, who has appeared in Lost Illusions, Cold War and Grace Of Monaco, plays the Russian dancer-choreographer Ida Rubinstein who commissioned the now legendary music.
Snd, the film arm of France’s M6 group, is on board as co-producer and French distributor and is launching international sales at Cannes.
- 5/3/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Berlin sales agency M-Appeal has come on board to handle world sales for “Let Me Go” (“Laissez-Moi”), the debut feature by Swiss director Maxime Rappaz, which will world premiere as the opening film of the Cannes Acid sidebar.
Set in a Swiss mountain village, “Let Me Go” follows Claudine, a dedicated mother whose life revolves around her son. Every Tuesday, according to her careful schedule, she goes to a nearby mountain hotel to meet men who are passing through. When she meets Michael and he decides to extend his stay for her, Claudine is confused and finds herself dreaming of another life.
French actress Jeanne Balibar stars in the lead role of Claudine, an elegant woman in her early 50s, who, although living a traditional life, pursues her desires in an unconventional way. She unexpectedly finds a romantic connection with Michael (Thomas Sarbacher).
A regular on the Croisette and...
Set in a Swiss mountain village, “Let Me Go” follows Claudine, a dedicated mother whose life revolves around her son. Every Tuesday, according to her careful schedule, she goes to a nearby mountain hotel to meet men who are passing through. When she meets Michael and he decides to extend his stay for her, Claudine is confused and finds herself dreaming of another life.
French actress Jeanne Balibar stars in the lead role of Claudine, an elegant woman in her early 50s, who, although living a traditional life, pursues her desires in an unconventional way. She unexpectedly finds a romantic connection with Michael (Thomas Sarbacher).
A regular on the Croisette and...
- 4/26/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Acid focuses on first films and films without French distribution.
France’s Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema (Acid) has unveiled the nine features it will showcase in its parallel Cannes section, running May 17-26. Acid focuses on films without French distributors and first features.
Six titles are world premieres including Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach’s animated family film Chicken For Linda!, which stars Laetitia Dosch and Clotilde Hesme in a story about a mother who feels guilty for punishing her daughter and tries to make it up to her by making her favourite chicken dish. Charades are handling international sales.
France’s Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema (Acid) has unveiled the nine features it will showcase in its parallel Cannes section, running May 17-26. Acid focuses on films without French distributors and first features.
Six titles are world premieres including Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laudenbach’s animated family film Chicken For Linda!, which stars Laetitia Dosch and Clotilde Hesme in a story about a mother who feels guilty for punishing her daughter and tries to make it up to her by making her favourite chicken dish. Charades are handling international sales.
- 4/18/2023
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
More than 300 leading figures from the French film and TV world have gotten behind a petition decrying controversial pension reforms spearheaded by the government of President Emmanuel Macron.
French stars Juliette Binoche, Audrey Fleurot, Camille Cottin, Swann Arlaud, Jeanne Balibar, Bérenice Béjo, Laure Calamy, Camille Cottin, Pierre Deladonchamps and Noémie Merlant; directors Michel Hazanavicius, Alice Diop, Kim Chapiron, Maimouna Doucouré, Robert Guédiguian and Alain Guiraudie, as well as producer Saïd Ben Saïd were among the signatories.
“It is high time to make our voices heard, because cinema, theater, culture, even if they sometimes offer dreams and a means of escape, above all speak of our world,” read an open letter to Macron accompanying the petition.
The petition was launched under the banner of the Cinema Entertainment Collective on the Liberation newspaper website on Thursday afternoon, as a national strike brought public services to a standstill and saw outbreaks of violence...
French stars Juliette Binoche, Audrey Fleurot, Camille Cottin, Swann Arlaud, Jeanne Balibar, Bérenice Béjo, Laure Calamy, Camille Cottin, Pierre Deladonchamps and Noémie Merlant; directors Michel Hazanavicius, Alice Diop, Kim Chapiron, Maimouna Doucouré, Robert Guédiguian and Alain Guiraudie, as well as producer Saïd Ben Saïd were among the signatories.
“It is high time to make our voices heard, because cinema, theater, culture, even if they sometimes offer dreams and a means of escape, above all speak of our world,” read an open letter to Macron accompanying the petition.
The petition was launched under the banner of the Cinema Entertainment Collective on the Liberation newspaper website on Thursday afternoon, as a national strike brought public services to a standstill and saw outbreaks of violence...
- 3/24/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Ladj Ly, the French filmmaker whose feature debut “Les Miserables” won Cannes’ Jury Prize and earned Oscar and BAFTA nominations, has just started shooting his next film, “Les Indesirables” (Undesirables).
The movie reteams Ly and “Les Miserables” producers Toufik Ayadi and Christophe Barral at Srab Films, the Paris-based banner whose recent credits include Alice Diop’s buzzed-about French Oscar entry “Saint Omer.”
“Les Indesirables” brings back the entire team behind “Les Miserables”: Wild Bunch International for world sales and Le Pacte for French distribution, as well as the pay TV channel Canal+ and Cine+ which pre-bought the film. The local public broadcaster France Televisions also scooped French free-to-air rights to the movie which will be headlined by a promising newcomer, Anta Diaw, and Alexis Manenti, whose gripping performance in “Les Miserables” earned him a Cesar Award for best male newcomer.
Penned by Ly and Giordano Gederlini (“Les Miserables”), “Les...
The movie reteams Ly and “Les Miserables” producers Toufik Ayadi and Christophe Barral at Srab Films, the Paris-based banner whose recent credits include Alice Diop’s buzzed-about French Oscar entry “Saint Omer.”
“Les Indesirables” brings back the entire team behind “Les Miserables”: Wild Bunch International for world sales and Le Pacte for French distribution, as well as the pay TV channel Canal+ and Cine+ which pre-bought the film. The local public broadcaster France Televisions also scooped French free-to-air rights to the movie which will be headlined by a promising newcomer, Anta Diaw, and Alexis Manenti, whose gripping performance in “Les Miserables” earned him a Cesar Award for best male newcomer.
Penned by Ly and Giordano Gederlini (“Les Miserables”), “Les...
- 12/19/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Event ran December 10-17.
Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel’s Austrian Vera has won the Crystal Arrow award at the 14th Les Arcs Film Festival which wrapped on Friday night in the French mountain resort.
A jury presided over by prolific French actor-director Roschdy Zem gave its great jury prize to Teona Strugar Mitevska’s The Happiest Man In The World. Acting prizes went to Yothin Clavenzani for Ghost Night and Annabelle Lengronne for Léonor Serraille’s Mother And Son, which also won a prize for best photography for Helene Louvart. The film is distributed by Diaphana in France and sold by MK2 Films.
Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel’s Austrian Vera has won the Crystal Arrow award at the 14th Les Arcs Film Festival which wrapped on Friday night in the French mountain resort.
A jury presided over by prolific French actor-director Roschdy Zem gave its great jury prize to Teona Strugar Mitevska’s The Happiest Man In The World. Acting prizes went to Yothin Clavenzani for Ghost Night and Annabelle Lengronne for Léonor Serraille’s Mother And Son, which also won a prize for best photography for Helene Louvart. The film is distributed by Diaphana in France and sold by MK2 Films.
- 12/16/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
The Les Arcs Film Festival will launch a new sidebar showcasing this year’s European entries to the Best International Feature Film Oscar category at its 14th edition, running December 10 to 17 in its namesake French Alps skiing resort home of Les Arcs.
The dates of the European cinema-focused festival overlap with voting for the Oscar Shortlists, running December 12 to 15 ahead of the Shortlists announcement on December 21.
Eight submissions will screen in the new section entitled “Oscar Au Ski”: Cristèle Alves Meira’s Alma Viva (Portugal), Viesturs Kairišs’s January (Latvia), Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson’s BeautifuInt’l Critics Line: Iceland’s Oscar Entry Beautiful Beings (Iceland), Maryna Er Gorbach’s Klondike (Ukraine), Marie Kreutzer’s Corsage (Austria), Colm Bairéad’s The Quiet Girl (Ireland), Alli Haapasalo’s Girl Picture (Finland) and Carla Simón’s Alcarràs (Spain).
“The festival takes place in a period when the Oscar race is in full swing.
The dates of the European cinema-focused festival overlap with voting for the Oscar Shortlists, running December 12 to 15 ahead of the Shortlists announcement on December 21.
Eight submissions will screen in the new section entitled “Oscar Au Ski”: Cristèle Alves Meira’s Alma Viva (Portugal), Viesturs Kairišs’s January (Latvia), Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson’s BeautifuInt’l Critics Line: Iceland’s Oscar Entry Beautiful Beings (Iceland), Maryna Er Gorbach’s Klondike (Ukraine), Marie Kreutzer’s Corsage (Austria), Colm Bairéad’s The Quiet Girl (Ireland), Alli Haapasalo’s Girl Picture (Finland) and Carla Simón’s Alcarràs (Spain).
“The festival takes place in a period when the Oscar race is in full swing.
- 11/9/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Alpine event runs December 10-17.
The in-person 14th edition of Les Arcs Film Festival returns to the French Alps from December 10-17 to celebrate European Cinema and present eight films in Official Competition as well as the industry programme.
Official Competition selections vying for the Crystal Arrow award include David Wagner’s Eismayer from Austria (Loco Films handles sales), Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska’s co-production The Happiest Man In The World (distributed by Pyramide Films), and Fulvio Risuleo’s Ghost Night from Italy (Vision Distribution), and Leonor Serraille’s French title Un Petit Frère (Diaphana Distribution).
Rounding out the...
The in-person 14th edition of Les Arcs Film Festival returns to the French Alps from December 10-17 to celebrate European Cinema and present eight films in Official Competition as well as the industry programme.
Official Competition selections vying for the Crystal Arrow award include David Wagner’s Eismayer from Austria (Loco Films handles sales), Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska’s co-production The Happiest Man In The World (distributed by Pyramide Films), and Fulvio Risuleo’s Ghost Night from Italy (Vision Distribution), and Leonor Serraille’s French title Un Petit Frère (Diaphana Distribution).
Rounding out the...
- 11/9/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSJafar Panahi.Having been detained last week for protesting the arrest of fellow Iranian filmmakers Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Aleahmad, Jafar Panahi has now been ordered to serve six years in prison. Ahead of this development Eric Kohn reported on the broader situation in Indiewire. “Maybe they will come for all of us one by one,” says one anonymous filmmaker who is quoted in the article.Martine Marignac, a producer of vital films by Jacques Rivette, Chantal Akerman, Leos Carax, Jeanne Balibar, Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet, and others, has died aged 75.The juries have been announced for the 79th edition of the Venice Film Festival. Julianne Moore will head up the main jury, supported by filmmakers Audrey Diwan, Leonardo di Costanzo, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Mariano Cohn, plus actor Leila Hatami and author Kazuo Ishiguro.
- 7/20/2022
- MUBI
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