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Arcipelago - Frédéric Mermoud

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Video: Swisse Film's at Arcipelago 2003

Born in Sion in 1969, Frédéric Mermoud moved to Paris after graduating from the Lausanne School of Arts. His latest short film was presented at the 11th edition of Rome’s Arcipelago Short Film Festival. Entitled L’Escalier (The Staircase), this 35mm and 22-minute film is about a love affair between two teenagers, Rachel, 15, and her schoolmate, Hervé. The “staircase” of the title refers to the couple’s habitual trysting place. Their relationship begins to change after Hervé suggests they elope to Normandy.

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Why did you choose to make a film about a pair of teenagers?
“In France, the issue of adolescent problems is very much in vogue and so the inspiration came naturally. The staircase, the idea of going up and down, are metaphors for the mood changes that are typical at that age. I cast two youngsters who’d been on an acting course because I needed the most natural acting style possible and wasn’t sure that two amateurs could portray that. The girl in particular (Nina Meurisse) has such an expressive face that I found her to be absolutely perfect.”

Watching L’Escalier one has the impression of seeing a French short. Is there such a thing as a Swiss identity?
“The issues of Swiss identity is the subject of much discussion everywhere, and also here at Arcipelago where a round-table discussion about “I am Swiss, I am not Swiss” took place. I had no difficulty in passing from Switzerland to France: it was natural and at no time did I experience any conflict. It must be said that the residents of French Switzerland are hugely influenced by France. It may seem a paradox but they feel more French with respect to cultural issues and more Swiss with regards to all matters of a political nature.”

Who, if anyone, has bought L’Escalier?
“Arte bought the French broadcast rights. My name was also included in the Swiss Short Film Agency, who deal with distribution by creating contacts between the buyers of both TV and film rights, so I can safely say that I am in good hands!”

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