Rendez-Vous with French Cinema 2008

Screenings:

- A Police Romance (Un Roman Policier)

Directed by Stéphanie DUVIVIER - Produced by Richard Magnien (Mat Films)

Synopsis: In a small police station, Lieutenant Emilie Carange finds herself sexually attracted to Jamil Messaouden, a young rookie officer. When an old Algerian woman reports that she’s seen drug dealers operating in the neighbourhood, they find themselves in over their heads in an investigation. Night after night, Emilie’s desire grows. The drug investigation gets out of hand and so does Emilie …

Screening in Paris:

Friday 11 January, 15h00
Gaumont Opéra Premier 6

- Captain Ahab (Capitaine Achab)

Directed by Philippe RAMOS - Produced by Florence Borelly (Sésame Films)

Synopsis: 1840. Who could imagine this young boy reading the Bible in a hunting hut, lost in the middle of the wood, would become, one day, captain of a whaling ship? Nobody. Nevertheless, Ahab grows and seizes the oceans. He becomes a frightening captain, and meets a dazzling white whale… Moby Dick.

Screening in Paris:

Sunday 13 January, 13h00
Gaumont Opéra Premier 3

- Nuage

Directed by Sébastien BETBEDER - Produced by Sylvie Pialat (Les Films du Worso)

Synopsis: In a village called L’Orée du Bois, Clara and her father, a photographer with failing eyes, await the return of Clara’s mother, Marianne, who has mysteriously disappeared. In the sky, above them, a cloud passes. In a nearby city, the world disappears in front of Simon’s eyes. In an instant it reappears, but he’s lost his memory. Clara comes across a car accident in a field from which Simon emerges unsteadily. They fall in love. The characters come together, as a dense cloud descends on L’Orée du bois, separating beings and things.

Screening in Paris:

Friday 11 January, 9h00
Gaumont Opéra Français 5

- Red Ants (Les Fourmis Rouges)

Directed by Stephan Carpiaux - Produced by Stéphan Carpiaux (Hémisphères Films), Jean-Luc Van Damme (Banana Films), Véronique Rofé (Librisfilms)

Synopsis: 16-year-old Alex lives with her father Frank in an isolated village of the Ardennes forest. Obligated to support him after the tragic death of her mother, Alex finds herself growing to fast for her age. While Frank tries to escape the apathy in which he lives since the death of his wife, Alex revives, unwillingly, his father’s pain, plunging them both in an ambiguous world, where the frontier between tenderness and desire becomes fragile. The unexpected meeting with Hector, a 22 year old orphan whose aunt makes sure he remains immature, will lead the young woman to open her eyes on the relationship she has with her father. Together, Alex and Hector will have to shake the weight of the past and finally live for her own sake.

Screening in Paris:

Monday 14 January, 15h00
Gaumont Opéra français 5

In House Production & Coproduction:

- El Camino

Directed by Ishtar YASIN - Produced by Ishtar Yasin (Astarte Producciones)

Synopsis: In Nicaragua, Saslaya, a 12 year old girl, runs away with her brother, Darío, to look for their mother, who immigrated to neighbouring Costa Rica 8 years before. The children travel from Managua to Granada, cross the lake, walk by the volcano, through the jungle; sometimes just following the wind, other times planning their itinerary. In their journey, they encounter different characters and face many challenging situations. That’s how they meet a foreigner who travels with his hand puppet theatre, a boy who sells his products on the streets and undocumented immigrants. At the border, the girl and his brother get lost and so she has to face the hardships by herself. Along their journey, Saslaya and Darío rewrite their destiny...

- Redemption Song

Directed by Markus HANSEN, Jean-Marie BOULET - Produced by Loïc Magneron (WIDE Management)

Synopsis: In March 1967, Billy Bang was conscripted to fight in Vietnam, an experience that left him emotionally desolate and profoundly confused about his American identity. Upon his return, he tried to forget his nightmares through alcohol, drugs and music. Forty years later, he decides that the only way he will be able to repair his emotions and find some closure to his trauma, is to return to Vietnam, this time with his violin. This film is about the desire to overcome and transcend the trauma of war through music and art.

- I dreamt under the water (J’ai rêvé sous l’eau)

Directed by HORMOZ - Produced by Sebastien Burnet (Triskel Film), Loïc Magneron (WIDE Management)

Synopsis: 20-years-old Antonin is secretly in love with Alex his best friend. After Alex's brutal death, Antonin succumbs to an overwhelming sexuality that leads him into prostitution. One day, he meets Juliette. It is love at first sight, but a drug issue starts to interfere between them. After some happy weeks, the young woman decides to run away. Close to despair, Antonin finally finds comfort in the arms of Baptiste, one of his former clients, while Juliette remains in his heart.

- Unfailing

Directed by Davy SIHALI - Produced by Loïc Magneron (Wide Management)

Synopsis: A secret criminal organization, headed by Mr. Takamura, arranges a tournament in order to find the perfect killer. Ten young people who have nothing to lose, accept the rules and run in this revenge. To spice up the game, Silex, the right arm of Takamura, winner of the last 5 years, was introduced anonymously in the group. Between emerging friendships, rivalries and spirit of chivalry, the participants manage the tests. The eliminations are increasing and the losses are heavy. The tournament goes far to the point of no return.

Upcoming Title :

- Another Love Story (Maré, Nossa História de Amor)

Directed by Lucia MURAT - Produced by Lucia Murat (Taiga Filmes e Video)

Synopsis: Living in a slum divided between two rival gangs of drug traffickers, Analídia is the daughter of one of the gangs’ leaders and Jonatha is a childhood friend of the other gang leader. Both study in a dance group situated exactly in the middle of the two territories, looking for solace in art. Openly inspired by Romeo and Juliet, the film is a salute to the strong sense of Brazilian music, to the relevance of national contemporary dance, and to the strange mix found today in slums, where violence lives alongside the artistic paths enabled by social projects.

- Distant Tremors (Les Tremblements Lointains)

Directed by Manuel POUTTE - Produced by Boris Van Gils (Dolce Vita Films) , Michaël Goldberg (Formosa Productions)

Synopsis: When misfortune comes along so often it can only be because one is bewitched ! To break this evil spell, the young Senegalese Bandiougou, drags Marie, Boris and Jean Favret, the three lost westerners, into the deepest Africa and inside their profoundest wounds, there they shall confront their most abstruse inner demons.

- Falling From Earth (Wa-Ala el Ard el Sama’a)

Directed by Chadi ZENEDDINE - Produced by Samuel Chauvin (Promenades Films), Neon Productions and Chadi Zeneddine (ARTWIST Production)

Synopsis: Does it really mean that we have lost our sense of reality when everything sounds like constant explosions?

Youssef, a wise fool, lives in the remains of a building collecting photographs of happy people. Behind each photograph lie millions of implosions of a city wounded by time.

Chapter after chapter, they are all still waiting for…Beirut

- The Rage (La Rabbia)

Directed by Louis NERO - Produced by Louis Nero (Altrofilm)

Synopsis: A young director 25/30 years old, lives with a girl. Active part of the Intellectual society, he represents perfectly the union between fear and determination, that changes deeply his way of understanding the world that surrounds him. His only aim is to leave a footstep of his presence on this world realizing a film. Daily vent seems to be the bar meeting with two writers friends, perfect place where to dream about their future…

- We were Exodus (Nous étions l’« Exodus » )

Directed by Jean-Michel Vecchiet - Produced by Marie Mouchel-Blaisot and Richard Magnien (MAT Films)

Synopsis: “1947: The Summer of the Exodus” is truly the missing link between two important moments of the 20^th Century: the Shoah and the creation of the state of Israel. In July 1947, 4,551 passengers, all survivors from the Shoah, boarded a boat called “Exodus 47” in Sète that left secretly for Palestine. Intercepted by the British Navy, the passengers were transferred to three English boats, which, after nine days of a difficult journey, returned to Provence at Port-de-Bouc. On that morning of July 29^th, 1947, no one could have imagined the trial of strength between the English and the French governments that would ultimately lead to the most spectacular historical moment in the creation of the Jewish nation. So, what did a little port in the South of France have to do with this great historical moment?

Highlights:

- Her name is Sabine (Elle s’appelle Sabine)

Directed by Sandrine BONNAIRE - Produced by Thomas Schmitt (Mosaique Films)

Synopsis: A sensitive portrait of Sabine Bonnaire, a 38-year-old autistic woman, filmed by her closest sister. The film tells her story through personal footage filmed by the actress over a period of 25 years, and her life today in a suitable facility. After a tragic five-year stay in a psychiatric hospital, Sabine found a new lease on life-even if these capacities remain altered-in a home in the Charente region. The film exposes the penury of specialized institutions and the dramatic consequences they can lead to.

- Mai 68, la belle ouvrage

Directed by Jean - Luc MAGNERON - Produced by Loïc Magneron (WIDE Management)

Synopsis: A rare documentary about the Mai 68 riots in Paris with many testimonies from unknown and well-known witnesses. Shot during the events by Jean - Luc Magneron, this poignant documentary with interviews brings a new light on the events. On April 1998, some excerpts, entitled “It was your May 68”, were broadcasted during french TV show “La Marche du siècle” hosted by Jean-Marie Cavada, at the occasion of the 30^th birthday of the events.

- Counterparts (Gegenüber)

Directed by Jan BONNY - Produced by Bettina Brokemper (Heimat Films)

Synopsis: Police officer Georg is very popular amongst his colleagues for always being calm and cool-headed. His partner Michael, also admires him for his apparently harmonic marriage with Anne. When a promotion is announced to Georg, he begins to lose control over the carefully maintained façade of his "intact" family. During christmas season the conflicts, that have been dominating the couple's life for years, start to surface. Georgs attempt to always suit everybody. Their children that helplessly look away – while the traces of domestic violence can no longer be hidden. Under the Christmas tree tragedy unfolds - "It aint no drama, Anne!“ – Well, yes, it is.

- Sonic Mirror

Directed by Mika KAURISMAKI - Produced by Marco Forster (Marco Forster Productions), Mika Kaurismaki (Marianna Films Oy), Uwe Dresch (Uwe Dresch Films Ltd), Rose-Marie Schneider (Doc Productions GmbH)

Synopsis: For most people music is a marvelous experience and part of their life whether or not they play an instrument themselves. They understand music and rhythm as a fundamental communication tool of mankind.

Mika Kaurismäki`s new film SONIC MIRROR is a surprising and emotional dive into the world of rhythm - an extraordinary trip to discover the magic relationship between Life and Rhythm. Drum legend Billy Cobham takes us from the bandstands of the Western world to the primal music of African origin with kids in a Brazilian community and on to the completely secluded world of musical experiences of autists. These different worlds are yet connected in a mystical and secret way. The relation between the collective and the individual consciousness becomes obvious when, in a fantastic final, the symbiosis is achieved. Music is emotion. Music is communication. Music is identity. Music as a true universal language to express hope, love, ambition and joy. SONIC MIRROR is a film full of vibrancy and compassion, authentic and hypnotic from the first to the very last moment.

- Faro – Goddess of the Waters (Faro, la Reine des eaux)

Directed by Salif TRAORÉ - Produced by Philippe Quinsac (P.A.V. Communication, France), Bärbel Mauch (Bärbel Mauch Films, Germany)

Synopsis: Zanga, a child born out of wedlock, is driven out of his village. After many years, he returns to find out who his father is. At the moment of his arrival, something happens that the villagers interpret as the river spirit Faro’s angry reaction to Zanga’s coming. The film uses this fateful moment in the history of a village to bring us closer to the changing rural regions of Africa: suddenly, oppressed people are making demands and the local authorities are under pressure. Tradition has to find compromises with modernity so that life can go on.

- Shelter (Riparo)

Directed by Marco Simon PUCCIONI - Produced by Mario Mazzarotto (Intelfilm), Francesca Van Der Staay (Adesif)

Synopsis: Anna and Mara return from a holiday abroad, and realize that Anis, a young Moroccan immigrant, managed to hide in their car in order to cross the border to Italy. At first unsure of what to do, they then decide to take him with them. Gradually Anis establishes himself in the life of the couple and for a brief moment, the three manage to help and support each other in an unusual and emotionally intricate relation. Yet this precarious balance is short-lived: Anis loses his job and is rejected by Mara who he has fallen in love with and Anna has to witness her idyllic domestic arrangement fall to pieces. “SHELTER” portrays three human beings, diverse from each other and the majority, compelled to deal, with compassion, trust and fear, with issues raised by sexual orientation, coming of age, immigration and work related problems.

- Dreams of Dust (Rêves de poussière)

Directed by Laurent SALGUES - Produced by Marc Daigle (Corporation ACPAV inc.), Sophie Salbot (Athénaïse)

Synopsis: Mocktar Dicko, a Nigerian peasant, comes looking for work in Essakane, a gold mine in Northeast Burkina Faso. In this cage made of wind and dust, he hopes to forget the past that haunts him. He becomes friend with his boss and his colleagues (Thiam, Paté and Tidiane) and with a prostitute Tassaba and a young widow, Coumba, who dreams about sending her daughter to France, where her uncle lives. While becoming familiar with his new life, Mocktar Dicko starts to loose his roots. The day he discover a piece of gold, decides not to go home and offers the money earned by selling the gold to Coumba.

- Ex Drummer

Directed by Koen MORTIER - Produced by Eurydice Gysel (CCCP)

Synopsis: Three disabled rock musicians are looking for a drummer. Dries, a well known writer, seems the right guy for the job, were it not for the fact that his only handicap is that he can’t play the drums. He joins the group as a perfect, but evil god walking down his mountain to play with the populace. With the arrival of this infiltrator, personal disputes and family feuds start to jeopardize the band’s fragile future. Dries will manipulate them till they are willing to drink each others blood and their only future is written down in many Punk lyrics: “No Future”.

- Ezra

Directed by Newton I. ADUAKA - Produced by Produced by Michel Loro, Gorune Aprikian (CINEFACTO, France), François Sauvagnargues, Arnaud Louvet (ARTE France)

Synopsis: In the year 2000, it was alleged that some 300,000 children were serving as soldiers in armed conflicts in more than thirty countries around the world. Nearly 120,000 of these were allegedly engaged in various conflicts on the African continent.

EZRA is a factional tale inspired by the Sierra Leonean conflict. It is centred on one event: a drug fuelled atrocious attack on a village by rebel soldiers. The jigsaw puzzle of what occurred that night is reconstructed through the testimonies of three witnesses: Ezra, an excombatant, his sister Onitcha, a mute, and Cynthia, Ezra's fellow exsoldier.

What is supposed to be reconciliation soon becomes a trial, as Onitcha chooses this as the arena to reveal a secret she has kept from her brother.

- A casa de Alice

Directed by Chico TEIXEIRA - Produced by Patrick Leblanc, Zita Carvalhosa (SUPERFILMES)

Synopsis: São Paulo, in a working-class district. Alice, a 40-year-old woman and manicurist is married for the last 20 years to a taxi driver. They live with Alice’s mother, who cooks, cleans, does the household laundry, listening all day to her favorite radio program. Alice and Lindomar have 3 children living with them. Alice’s marriage is undergoing a crisis and Lindomar doesn’t try to hide his adventures with teenage girls. None of the three siblings pay much attention to their mother and they treat their grandmother with lack of respect. Alice’s life in the female working world contrasts strongly with the powerful masculine presence in her home. She envies her clients’ and is unable to handle this feeling. Although she’s a good girl, the chance to betray uncovers other betrayals.

- Youssou N’Dour: Return to Goree (Retour à Gorée)

Directed by Pierre-Yves BORGEAUD - Produced by Jean-Louis Porchet, Gérard Ruey (CAB Productions), Nicolas Steil (Iris Productions), Emmanuel Gétaz (Dreampixies)

Synopsis: This musical road-movie tells of African singer Youssou N’Dour’s epic journey following the trail left by the blacks slaves and the jazz music they invented. Youssou N’Dour’s challenge is to bring back to Africa a jazz repertoire and to sing those tunes in Gorée, the island that today symbolizes the slave trade and stands to commemorates its victims. Guided in his travel by pianist Moncef Genoud, N’Dour travels across the United States and Europe. Accompanied by some of the world’s most exceptional musicians, they meet people and well known figures, and create, through concerts, encounters and debates, music which transcends cultural division.

- Substitute

Directed by Fred POULET, Vikash DHORASOO - Produced by Nicolas Brevière (LOCAL FILMS)

Synopsis: The story begins on June 2006. Fred POULET, singer, author and video clipper, entrusted a Super 8 camera to his friend, the football player Vikash DHORASOO, so that he can film his everyday life until July 9^th, date of the World Football Cup finale in Berlin… The movie follow up will be written day after day in Le Havre, Paris, then in Germany, in hotel rooms, in buses or on the phone. Also a bit in stadiums… In fact, Vikash DHORASSO will only play 16 minutes during this World Cup full of new developments and with the French team eventually reaching the finale. The twelfth man, the substitute, such was the destiny of this original player. This is the sincere portrait of a man who was hurt and lost in the largest sports event of the world.

- Twisted Souls (Ecorchés)

Directed by Cheyenne CARRON - Produced by Jacques Driencourt (BerFilms)

Synopsis: A young couple leaves for vacation in an isolated house in the countryside. During their stay, with the shelter of the glances, they slip into a violent and passionate relationship, which will lead them to make the worst…

- But Once Mom Had Gone... (Il a suffit que Maman s’en aille)

Directed by René FERET - Produced by René Féret, Fabienne Camara (Les Films Alyne)

Synopsis: Olivier, owner of a construction company in the Limousin region, hasn’t seen time passing, just like he hasn’t noticed his wife, younger than he, drift away, to the point that she’s actually gone to live elsewhere. At a loss, furious, wounded, he demands custody of their daughter Léa.

The judge decides it is in the young girl’s best interests that she continue to be surrounded by familiar situations. In the large house, the big wounded bear used to ordering men about finds himself alone with this tomboy, who he doesn’t quite know how to handle.

Nearing sixty, he knows, he feels how precious the bond being woven between himself and his daughter is. This new situation changes his relationship to things, to his work, life, his first daughter – who has already made him a grandfather – to the whole world. As for Léa, she slowly realizes the worth of a father who loves you totally and who enters your heart forever.

- Falafel

Directed by Michel Kammoun - Produced by Michel Kammoun (Roy Films), Thierry Lenouvel (Cinésud Promotion)

Synopsis: A summer evening in Beirut. One night in the life of Toufic, a young Lebanese man, and his nocturnal rides. Between his family, friends and love affairs, he tries to seize every day of his existence. Each second is the most important. Soon he discovers that having a normal life in this country is a luxury out of his reach. Fifteen years after the war has ended, a volcano lies on every street corner, like a ticking bomb that is ready to explode.