Kino Lorber a acquis les droits de distribution en Amérique du Nord pour « Being Maria », un film français sur la production controversée de « Last Tango in Paris » de Bernardo Bertolucci. Réalisé par Jessica Palud, le film met en vedette Anamaria Vartolomei dans le rôle de Maria Schneider et Matt Dillon en Marlon Brando. « Being Maria » explore la vie tumultueuse de Schneider, qui a subi des abus sur le plateau, devenant ensuite une fervente défenseure des droits des femmes. Sa première mondiale a eu lieu au Festival de Cannes. La sortie est prévue pour 2025.
Kino Lorber has secured the North American distribution rights for “Being Maria,” a French film that delves into the contentious production of Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1972 classic, “Last Tango in Paris.”
Directed by Jessica Palud, the film features Anamaria Vartolomei, known for her breakout role in “Happening,” portraying Maria Schneider, alongside Matt Dillon as Marlon Brando.
“Being Maria” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, making history as the only woman-directed film in the Premieres section. Currently, it is being showcased at the American French Film Festival at the DGA, where Richard Lorber, the head of Kino Lorber, is set to receive an honorary tribute this weekend.
The movie chronicles the tumultuous life of the late French actress Maria Schneider, who, at the onset of her career, found herself cast by the then-emerging Italian filmmaker Bertolucci in “Last Tango in Paris” opposite Hollywood icon Brando. The experience turned traumatic for Schneider, who felt exploited during the filming of an explicit scene that she later claimed was not part of the original script. After enduring this ordeal, Schneider became a prominent feminist advocate, dedicating her career to combatting the objectification of women in film.
Presented through Maria’s eyes, the film has been characterized as a cautionary narrative on the repercussions of sexual violence in the cinematic world.
“Jessica Palud has created a poignant and impactful biopic of Maria Schneider,” noted Lisa Schwartz of Kino Lorber. “By focusing on the perspective of the ‘Last Tango in Paris’ star, the film tells a narrative that resonates more profoundly than ever. Anamaria Vartolomei emerges as an exceptional talent, capturing Maria’s essence with depth and nuance, while Matt Dillon offers a compelling portrayal of Marlon Brando.”
The film is set for release in 2025, followed by digital, educational, and home video formats.
“Being Maria” is co-written by Palud and Laurette Polmanss, drawing inspiration from Vanessa Schneider’s memoir “My Cousin Maria Schneider.” The ensemble cast includes Giuseppe Maggio, Yvan Attal, Céleste Brunnquell, and Marie Gillain. Vanessa Schneider is present at this week’s American French Film Festival.
The acquisition deal for “Being Maria” was facilitated by Schwarz, who oversees theatrical acquisitions and distribution at Kino Lorber, in collaboration with Studiocanal.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the exceptional team at Kino Lorber to introduce Jessica Palud’s ‘Being Maria’ and the journey of Maria Schneider to audiences in America, following the remarkable reactions the film received from critics and the industry at Cannes,” stated Chloé Marquet, Studiocanal’s head of international sales for films and television series. “Kino Lorber has consistently shown a remarkable ability to present the finest contemporary world cinema from major international film festivals while showcasing new talents within French cinema.”
“I am immensely proud that ‘Being Maria’ is set to be released in the United States, a trailblazing country where actresses’ voices have gained freedom, and I am grateful for the support from the Kino Lorber team, true enthusiasts of French cinema,” Palud expressed.
“Being Maria” is produced by Marielle Duigou, co-produced by Kristina Zimmerman and Christie Molia, with executive production by Alex C. Lo.
This film is a collaboration between Les Films de Mina, Studiocanal, Moteur S’il Vous Plait, in association with Cinema Inutile, and supported by OCS – Ciné +, along with assistance from the région Bretagne in partnership with CNC, Procirep, Angoa, and the Creative Europe – Media Programme of the European Union in association with Cofimage 34.
Kino Lorber a acquis les droits de distribution en Amérique du Nord pour « Être Maria », un film français qui explore la production controversée du classique de Bernardo Bertolucci, « Last Tango in Paris », sorti en 1972.
Réalisé par Jessica Palud, le film met en vedette Anamaria Vartolomei, connue pour son rôle marquant dans « Happening », incarnant Maria Schneider, aux côtés de Matt Dillon dans le rôle de Marlon Brando.
« Être Maria » a fait ses débuts au Festival de Cannes, devenant ainsi le seul film réalisé par une femme sélectionné dans la section Premières. Actuellement, il est présenté au American French Film Festival au DGA, où Richard Lorber, le chef de Kino Lorber, doit recevoir un hommage honorifique ce week-end.