21/12/2010

While the first films selected for competition at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival (February 10-20, 2011) were revealed last week (see news), rumours are circulating in Paris about the likely French contenders. A trio of directors are predicted favourites: Philippe Claudel with Silence of Love, Régis Wargnier with La Ligne Droite (“The Straight Line”) and Martin Provost with The Long Falling.

Discovered in competition at Berlin in 2008 with his debut feature I’ve Loved You So Long [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Claudel could return to the German capital with Silence of Love (French title: Tous Les Soleils, see news), whose glittering cast includes Italy’s Stefano Accorsi, fellow Italian Neri Marcore, and French actresses Clothilde Courau, Anouk Aimée and young Lisa Cipriani. Produced by UGC YM, the film will be released in French theatres on March 30 by UGC. International sales are being managed by TF1 International.

In competition at Berlin in 2005 with Man to Man, Wargnier is also a serious contender for inclusion in the Golden Bear race with his new film: La Ligne Droite (see news). The feature was produced by Gaumont, who are handling international sales and will release it in France on March 9.

But the surprise candidate could be French/Belgian co-production The Long Falling (French title: Où Va La Nuit? – see news) by Provost, whose popularity has been on the rise since the triumphant success of Séraphine [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (2008). Adapted from Irish author Keith Ridgway’s same-named novel, The Long Falling stars Yolande Moreau. It was produced by Christmas in July and co-produced by F Comme Film and Belgium’s Artémis Productions. The feature, which may be released in France by Diaphana in April, is sold internationally by Roissy Films.

(Translated from French)