15/01/2009

Two new 100% French features and a minority production have joined the three Gallic titles already selected (see news) in the Panorama section at the 59th Berlinale (February 5-15). These are Philippe Lioret’s Welcome [+see also:
film review
trailer
making of
interview: Philippe Lioret
film profile], Catherine Breillat’s La Barbe bleue (“The Blue Beard”) and Michael Glawogger’s Kill Daddy Good Night (co-produced by Polaris Film Production & Finance).

Having first attracted attention in 1993 when he won the Silver Seashell for Best Director at San Sebastian for Lost In Transit, Lioret is primarily known for the hit Don’t Worry, I’m Fine [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (900,000 admissions in 2006, five César 2007 nominations and two acting awards).

Starring Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi and Audrey Dana, Welcome (see news) is the director’s sixth feature. The film centres on a swimming instructor who, in order to win back the love of his wife, helps an illegal immigrant train to swim across the Channel.

Produced by Nord-Ouest Films in co-production with France 3 Cinéma, Studio 37 and CRRAV, Welcome is sold internationally by Films Distribution. The title will be launched domestically by Mars Distribution on March 11.

Returning to Berlin after her selection in competition in 2001 with Fat Girl, seasoned director Breillat will present La Barbe bleue in the Panorama section. In the same vein as her period drama The Last Mistress [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] (in competition at Cannes 2007), the film is a personal reinterpretation of Charles Perrault’s famous tale.

Originally co-produced for TV by Flach Film, CB Films and Arte France, the feature stars Dominique Thomas, Lola Creton and Daphné Baïwir.

(Translated from French)