Exclusive: Cannes Stars Align at Secretive Parisian Cinema Dinner

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Prior to the commencement of the Cannes Film Festival, EbMaster convened a select group of prominent French film producers, distributors, and talent such as Dominik Moll, Elodie Bouchez, Justine Triet, and Coralie Fargeat for a private dinner at the elegant Laperouse restaurant.

Actor Bouchez, fresh from his role in “Beating Hearts,” will showcase two films at Cannes’ Directors Fortnight – “Enzo” under the direction of Robin Campillo and the late Laurent Cantet, as well as “Classe Moyenne” by Anthony Cordier. Sitting next to him were Oscar-nominated producer Marie Ange Luciani (“Anatomy of a Fall”), who produced “Enzo” along with Laura Wandel’s “Adam’s Sake,” set to open Critics’ Week, and Alexandra Henochsberg, president of Ad Vitam, slated to distribute seven films from the Official Selection in France, including “The Secret Agent” by Kleber Mendonça Filho, “Romeria” by Carla Simón, “La Petite Dernière” by Hafsia Herzi, “Vie Privée,” starring Jodie Foster and directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, and “Enzo,” among others.

As a movie enthusiast, I had the privilege of attending the prestigious Cannes Film Festival where I got to meet the esteemed director Moll, creator of the Oscar-winning film “The Night of the 12th.” This time, he’s back with his gripping new thriller, “Dossier 137,” which is set to compete in the festival. Accompanying him were his talented producers Caroline Benjo and Carole Scotta from Haut et Court. I can hardly wait to see what they have in store for us this time!

Furthermore, Alexandre Mallet Guy from Memento Distribution was involved, as they plan to release three films in France that will be competing. These include Tarik Saleh’s “Les Aigles de la République,” Jafar Panahi’s “A Simple Accident,” Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” and “Adam’s Sake” for Critics Week.

Amelie Bonnin, set to debut her first movie titled “Leaving One Day” during the opening night of Cannes Film Festival, was seated with her producer Sylvie Pialat from Les Films du Worso, as well as Ardavan Safaee, the president of Pathé. Pathé is responsible for distributing the film in France and managing international sales. Additionally, they will be screening Martin Bourboulon’s thriller “13 Days, 13 Nights” outside of competition at the festival.

Nathanael and Elisha Karmitz, together with Fionnuala Jamison from MK2, were also present at the dinner. The company boasts six films in competition, among which are the works by Trier, Mendonça Filho, Simon, Herzi, Panhai, and Mascha Schilinski – “Sound of Falling.”

Or, in a more conversational style:

Nathanael, Elisha Karmitz, and Fionnuala Jamison from MK2 were all there for the dinner. The company is showcasing six movies in competition, including films by Trier, Mendonça Filho, Simon, Herzi, Panhai, and Mascha Schilinski with her movie “Sound of Falling.

At the EbMaster dinner, Charles Gillibert, a French film producer, was present. Notably, his production includes “Resurrection,” directed by Bi Gan, which has recently been added to the competition. Besides “Resurrection,” he will showcase Kristen Stewart’s debut film, “Chronology of Water,” in Un Certain Regard, Kirill Serebrenikov’s “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele” at Cannes Premiere, and Nadav Lapid’s “Yes” during the Quinzaine.

Charles Gillibert, a French film producer, was at the EbMaster dinner. He will be presenting several movies at different festivals, including Bi Gan’s “Resurrection,” which is in competition, Kristen Stewart’s first movie, “Chronology of Water,” Kirill Serebrenikov’s “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele” and Nadav Lapid’s “Yes.

Melita Toscan du Plantier, organizer of the Marrakech Film Festival and producer of Neeraj Ghaywan’s film “Homebound” (which Martin Scorsese is an executive producer for and will be screened at Un Certain Regard); as well as Julie Billy, presenter of Herzi’s film in competition, were some of the attendees.

At a recent dinner gathering, the team behind “Alpha,” including producers Eric Altmayer, Nicolas Altmayer, Jean Rachid Kallouche (who is also working with actor Tahar Rahim on this project), and Matthieu Derrien (a manager-publicist for Kallouche and Rahim) were present. Notable entertainment lawyer Elsa Huisman attended the dinner along with Justine Triet, a Palme d’Or-winning director whom she represents. Additionally, Lea Fargeat, an alumna of Cannes and the director of the bold body horror film “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, was also in attendance at the dinner. This film garnered six Oscar nominations and broke box office records for a body horror movie, earning over $17 million in North America and more than $83 million globally.

Established in 1766 by Benjamin Patou and Antoine Arnault, Laperouse has been a beloved haven for the intellectual elite of Paris, such as philosophers, writers, artists, and eventually filmmakers. Over time, its richly adorned salons featuring red velvet, artwork, intricate moldings, and crystal chandeliers attracted these luminaries. More recently, Laperouse has undergone a tasteful renovation by Cordelia de Castellane of Dior Maison. Interestingly, this establishment was referenced in Marcel Proust’s renowned novel “In Search of Lost Time,” and played a role in Woody Allen’s film “Midnight in Paris.

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2025-05-09 14:05