01/07/2009

In an exceptional change of schedule, Pathé Distribution is postponing until Friday the release of Mona Achache’s French/Italian co-production Le Hérisson [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (“The Hedgehog”, see news) on 310 screens.

This debut feature is adapted from Muriel Barbery’s best-selling book The Elegance of the Hedgehog, which sold over one million copies in France and enjoyed success in neighbouring European countries. Sold internationally by Pathé, the film has already been bought for Spain, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, the Middle East, Taiwan and Singapore, as well as Italy, through its co-producer Eagle Pictures.

Starring Josiane Balasko, Garance Le Guillermic, Japan’s Kakuro Ozu, Anne Brochet and Ariane Ascaride, Le Hérisson traces the unusual encounter between a surly and solitary concierge, a highly intelligent and suicidal little girl, and a rich and enigmatic Japanese man.

"The story has all the ingredients of a fairy tale," commented the director, who also wrote the screenplay. "The characters are realistic, but at the same time quirky, timeless and unconventional. I tried to add a dreamlike quality, a touch of fantasy and poetry. The film is set in 2009, but there are no mobile phones or computers, no technological link to the world outside the apartment building. It’s a timeless, enclosed world."

Produced by Les Films des Tournelles (who are enjoying immense success at the box office with The French Kissers) for €9m, Le Hérisson was co-produced by France 2 Cinéma, Topaze Bleue and Pathé.

This week also sees the launch of two other French productions: Hubert Gillet’s Dans Tes Bras [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (“In Your Arms”, distributed by Haut et Court); and Christian Monnier’s The Dog [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (distributed by Les Films à Fleur de Peau).

Also hitting screens is Woody Allen’s Whatever Works (co-produced by Wild Bunch - Mars Distribution); and Alison Murray’s UK/German co-production Mouth to Mouth (Cosmopolis Distribution), starring the now-famous Ellen Page.

(Translated from French)