29/09/2005

Filming finished yesterday in the south of France on Ca brûle [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], the second feature fiction from the documentary maker Claire Simon. Interpreted by Gilbert Melki (Le temps qui change [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Crustacés et coquillages) and the young Camille Sitowicz, this France-Switzerland co-production headed by the French outfit Maïa Films tells of a summer in the life of Livia, an adolescent, 15 years old, living in the Var, and her exalted love for Jean, a 37 year teacher, voluntary fireman, and a married father with two kids.

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Professor at Fémis and at the Varan Ateliers, Claire Simon has made numerous documentaries since the mid 90s (Les Patients, Récréations, Coûte que coûte, 800KM de différence-romance and Mimi) and a first feature length work of fiction called (Sinon Oui) screened in 1997 at the Perspectives during the Cannes Festival. She also won prestigious awards for documentary and fiction at the Belfort festival for Ça c’est vraiment toi, a film produced in 2000 for Arte, which followed the pupils at the Théâtre National of the Strasbourg European Parliament.

With a budget of 2,3 million euros, Ca brûle obtained an Advance On Receipts of 410 000 euros from the National Film Centre (CNC), aid of 150 000 euros from the Paca region and 191 000 euros worth of Swiss Advance On Receipts. Produced at 80% by Gilles Sandoz for Maïa Films, the film is co-produced by Swiss outfit Vega Film. With eight weeks filming under its belt during August and September,, Ca brûle heads now for post-production and will be ready for Spring 2006.

(Translated from French)