Marine Atlan's directorial debut, "La Gradiva," a poignant coming-of-age drama, has officially secured its distribution for the United States, positioning itself as a strong contender for France's International Feature Oscar submission. This celebrated film, which previously earned the Grand Prize at Cannes Critics' Week, is set to captivate American audiences with its unique narrative and compelling performances. Its journey from critical acclaim on the international festival circuit to its upcoming U.S. premiere marks a significant milestone for the French production, promising a national rollout after initial screenings in major cities.
"La Gradiva" will first grace screens in New York on December 18, with engagements at Film at Lincoln Center and IFC Center. Following its New York debut, the film will expand its reach to Los Angeles, opening at the Laemmle Royal the subsequent week. These strategic initial releases are designed to build momentum before a broader national distribution, spearheaded by 1-2 Special, ensuring the film reaches a wider audience across the country. Accompanying this exciting news, an exclusive new still from the film has been released, offering a glimpse into the visual artistry and emotional depth that define Atlan's work. The image features key cast members Antonia Buresi, Colas Quignard, Suzanne Gerin, and Mitia Capellier-Audat, highlighting the ensemble at the heart of the story.
The film's international journey has been marked by numerous accolades, showcasing its universal appeal and artistic merit. Beyond its triumph at Cannes, "La Gradiva" was honored with the audience award at the New Horizons International Film Festival and received the prestigious Prix d'Ornano-Valenti at the Deauville American Film Festival. These recognitions underscore the film's ability to resonate with diverse audiences and critics alike. Before its U.S. theatrical release, "La Gradiva" is also slated to make its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, followed by a screening as part of the main slate at the New York Film Festival. This robust festival presence further solidifies its standing as a critically acclaimed work, garnering perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes and high ratings on Metacritic and Letterboxd, making it one of the most highly reviewed films from this year's Cannes festival.
In anticipation of its global release, "La Gradiva" recently held Oscar-qualifying screenings in France, drawing an impressive 1,000 admissions across sold-out viewings. These successful screenings, ahead of its official French theatrical release on October 21, demonstrate significant public interest and critical enthusiasm. The narrative of "La Gradiva" transports viewers to a French class trip to Pompeii, where a group of adolescents explores the ancient city's ruins, encountering the poignant remnants of those preserved by Mount Vesuvius's eruption in A.D. 79. Against the picturesque backdrop of southern Italy, the film weaves a melodrama that intricately blends youthful discovery with the lingering presence of a civilization frozen in time, creating a compelling and visually stunning cinematic experience.
The global release strategy for "La Gradiva" is meticulously planned, with its international debut commencing in France on October 21. Following its French release, the film will be introduced to audiences in Austria, Belgium, and Italy in November, with its U.S. premiere scheduled for December. Further expansions are set for January 2027 in Poland and Bulgaria, and subsequently in other territories including Germany, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands throughout early to mid-2027. This staggered release approach aims to maximize its impact and reach across continents, allowing each region to experience the film's powerful storytelling and artistic excellence.
Marine Atlan's directorial expertise, honed through a distinguished career as a cinematographer, shines brightly in "La Gradiva." Her prior work includes acclaimed cinematography for "The Innocents," for which she received a César Award nomination, showcasing her profound understanding of visual storytelling. Atlan co-authored the screenplay for "La Gradiva" with Anne Brouillet, a collaboration that previously earned them the grand prize at the 2024 Fondation Gan. Their creative partnership has also yielded other notable works such as "Green Romances" and "Daniel," further cementing their reputation as a dynamic duo in contemporary cinema. The comprehensive international release plan, detailing distributors for each country, reflects the film's widespread anticipation and the concerted effort to bring this cinematic achievement to a global audience.
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