First selection for the Delluc

by Fabien Lemercier

10/11/2005 - Considered as the most important French cinema award alongside the Césars, the Louis Delluc yesterday revealed the pre-selection list for 2005. In the category of Best film of the year, six features will attempt to succeed Arnaud Desplechin (Kings and Queen [trailer]) as well as four productions battling for the title of Best First Film won last year by Yolande Moreau and Gilles Porte with Quand la mer monte (When the sea rises).

Three favourites stand out: Hidden [trailer, film focus] by Michael Haneke (director prize at Cannes – produced by Les Films du Losange – read the Focus), The beat my heart skipped [trailer] by Jacques Audiard (Why Not Productions) and Les Amants Réguliers [trailer] by Philippe Garrel (Silver Lion for best direction in Venice – produced by Maïa Films – see interview). But three outsiders will try to create a surprise: Aux abois (Baying) by Philippe Collin (BC Films), Je ne suis pas là pour être aimé (I’m not here to be loved) by Stéphane Brizé (in competition at San Sebastian - TS Productions) and Le Petit Lieutenant (The little Lieutenant) by Xavier Beauvois (Why Not Productions –Europa Cinema Awards at Venice Days at la Mostra – consultinterview).

As for first features, Cold showers [trailer] ( by Anthony Cordier (presented at Director’s Fortnight - Why Not Productions) looks a strong favourite up against Alex by José Alcala (Gémini Films (FR) – best CICAE European film at San Sebastian), A ce soir (Until tonight) de Laure Duthilleul (Marie-Amélie Production) and The Gamblers [trailer] by Frédéric Balekdjian (Pyramide - seen at the Panorama at the last Berlinale).

(Translated from French)